New Model Evaluation Engineer II (Irvine, CA, US, 92618)

New Model Evaluation Engineer II

Hyundai Motor Group North American Quality Center (NAQC) is the quality arm for all North American models of the South Korea-based Hyundai Motor Group. Our success in satisfying the demands of increasingly sophisticated consumers is a direct result of the investment Hyundai has made in the future of American automotive engineering. We are committed to becoming the leading automotive maker by delivering uncompromising quality and maximum customer satisfaction through revolution and change.

The Team :
The New Model Team within the North America Quality Center (NAQC) is responsible for evaluating, testing, and improving the quality and performance of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles for the North American market. The team focuses on identifying and resolving Chassis, Powertrain, Electrical, ADAS, and Infotainment concerns through vehicle testing, root cause analysis, competitive benchmarking, and data-driven engineering evaluations. Working closely with Hyundai Motor Group R&D, manufacturing plants, and quality organizations, the team supports the development of current and future models to ensure they meet North American customer expectations for quality, reliability, safety, and driving performance.

The Position :
As a New Model Evaluation Engineer, you will be part of a team responsible for testing, evaluating, and investigating vehicle quality and performance concerns across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles. In this role, you will conduct vehicle evaluations, collect objective and subjective data, perform root cause analysis, and provide engineering recommendations to improve vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. You will work closely with Hyundai Motor Group R&D teams, assembly plants, quality organizations, and external partners to support new model development, quality investigations, benchmarking activities, and validation testing. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain broad exposure to vehicle systems including Chassis, Powertrain, Electrical, ADAS, EV systems, and Infotainment technologies while contributing to the continuous improvement of Hyundai Motor Group vehicles for the North American market.

What you will do

• Test and evaluate Chassis, Powertrain, and Electrical (PT/EL) concerns on new vehicle models and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Investigate and support testing of quality issues on Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia vehicles, including requests from Hyundai Motor Group, sales affiliates, assembly plants, and warranty-related concerns.Conduct field and on-site investigations, collecting objective and subjective driving data to identify concerns and perform root cause analysis.
• Evaluate and support vehicle systems including NVH, Steering, Ride & Handling, Brakes, EV Systems, ADAS, and Infotainment.
• Utilize vehicle sensors and engineering test equipment, including LiDAR, radar, steering systems, collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, lane departure systems, tire monitoring systems, and shop equipment.
• Plan, lead, and support vehicle quality test activities in collaboration with internal teams and affiliates, including Ride & Handling, NVH, Flat Spot, Hot Weather, and Cold Weather testing.
• Manage project schedules and coordinate outsourced testing activities to ensure deliverables are completed on time.
• Conduct engineering analysis, research, and lessons-learned activities to support current and future vehicle development.
• Benchmark competitive vehicles and evaluate new technologies, tools, and methods to improve Hyundai Motor Group vehicle systems and testing capabilities.
• Conduct vehicle audits during development and post-launch phases for Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
• Prepare and present technical reports, status updates, and test results.
• Support additional projects and assignments as required.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 40%.

What you will bring to the role

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Related Industry Experience Requirements

• 0-5 years of experience in automotive engineering.
• Experience with Chassis, Powertrain, and/or Electrical systems is strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) principles and practices.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

What Hyundai can offer you

• 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
• Competitive salaries
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Salary Range: $90,000 ~ $110,000

Other Details

• 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.