Materials Engineer

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking an engineer to join the Strategic Materials Team of the Material Development Department to support development efforts concerning new flexible material technologies for North and South American production vehicles through collaborative work with engineering design, design studio, manufacturing, and purchasing teams

• Validate new soft trim material technologies and production polymeric materials (e.g., leather, flexible PVC/PU/TPU, foam, fabric, fiber composites, etc.) for future vehicle launches
  • Work scope would include R&D projects, production material quality improvements, patent submissions, and collaboration with internal HMG (Hyundai Motor Group) teams, suppliers,and the Hyundai R&D center in South Korea
• Identify new materials technology projects with high potential (focusing on quality improvement, cost reduction, and/or sustainability) and oversee said projects from concept to production
  • Manage budget allocation and proposal requests, project management of materials testing and development, and transfer(s) to related teams upon successful completion
• Perform root cause analysis on field claim quality-related issues, in addition to collaborating with assembly plants, engineering design teams, and suppliers to implement engineering improvements and countermeasures
• Conduct periodic audit testing of material performance (in relation to specification requirements) and competitor benchmarking
• Direct lab technicians when conducting material testing and evaluating material performance
  • Following, report findings/results to management for review
• Improve the quality of current Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis production parts
• Support administrative tasks, such as purchasing requests, vacation requests, travel requests, etc.
• Execute additional tasks as assigned
• Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, plastics engineering technology, polymer science/engineering, rubber engineering technology, or a related field
• Professional experience in polymeric materials, with an emphasis on flexible materials
• Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills
• Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record

• Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
• 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
• A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
• Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
• Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Flexible Work Hours

• Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
  • HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.