Total Vehicle Evaluation Engineer I

About the Role

Evaluate, test, and develop the total vehicle performance, Noise and Vibration (NVH) performance, and Ride & Handling performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles. This role is within one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups, supporting prototype and pilot vehicle development to ensure performance meets or exceeds customer expectations across all North American road and environmental conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform subjective evaluations and objective testing.
• Investigate problem root causes and develop appropriate countermeasures.
• Summarize findings in reports from the perspective of Total Vehicle performance, NVH and Wind Noise, or Ride and Handling.
• Evaluate test vehicle performance with the North American Customer perspective in mind.
• Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles, and manage supplier activities.
• Plan, organize, and execute ride-and-drive activities for prototype and pilot vehicles.
• Benchmark competitor vehicle performance and establish development direction and performance targets.
• Analyze customer feedback results from internal and external media sources (J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, traditional media, and internal & external customer clinics).
• Utilize experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software (Matlab, LMS Test Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS).
• Conduct experimental Noise, Vibration and Aeroacoustic investigations, including Sound Quality Analysis, Transfer Path Analysis, and Modal Analysis.
• Develop ride and handling performance through tire testing, spring & bar selection, damper tuning, electric steering calibration, and countermeasure development.
• Interface regularly with Engineering Design departments and with counterparts in R&D Headquarters in Korea.
• Support vehicle testing activities at the Hyundai California Proving Ground.
• Support the identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving vehicle performance.
• Create and present clear and concise project status and technical reports.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
• 0 to 3 years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• 0 to 1 year engineering internship experience.
• Good understanding of vehicle dynamics, chassis systems, and powertrain systems.
• Experienced with experimental test data acquisition systems and analysis software including Matlab, LMS Test.Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Knowledgeable with CAE analysis.
• Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving methods.
• Good written communication and presentation skills.
• Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.

Coursework in Vehicle Dynamics, Signal Analysis, Noise & Vibrations Analysis, Controls, and Human Factors is a plus.