Senior Emissions and OBD Calibration Engineer

About Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI)

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) serves as Hyundai Motor Group’s North American R&D headquarters, supporting Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis products in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets. Our teams drive innovation across product planning, design, engineering, quality, testing, and advanced technology development.

With our main R&D campus in Michigan and additional engineering, development, and proving ground facilities in California, HATCI provides a dynamic environment where ideas accelerate into real-world vehicle advancements.

About the Team

The Emissions and OBD Validation (EMOV) team is part of the Electrified Propulsion division of HATCI. We advance propulsion efficiency and performance across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis internal combustion and hybrid powertrains, directly shaping the refinement, competitiveness, and technological leadership of the vehicles our customers drive every day. EMOV leads local market testing and validation of engine and electrified propulsion management systems controlling vehicle emissions and diagnostics.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Emissions and OBD Calibration Engineer who will serve as a technical expert and project leader for emissions and OBD calibration development across ICE and hybrid propulsion systems. In this role, you will drive cross-functional alignment, mentor junior engineers, and influence technology roadmaps that ensure our vehicles meet demanding regulatory standards while delivering industry-leading performance. This role requires candidates who are motivated by deep technical challenges, capable of leading complex and time-bound projects, and possess the long-term vision to shape the next-generation propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead EMS mapping, calibration, and validation for ICE and hybrid propulsion systems
• Own OBD-II and emissions calibration strategies, ensuring compliance in diverse environments and extreme ambient conditions
• Drive new technology development to improve emissions performance and reduce system cost/complexity
• Develop technical roadmaps, best practices, and validation methods for propulsion system compliance
• Serve as the primary technical lead for complex pre-production and post-production issue resolution
• Manage project execution, including test planning, coordination, progress reporting, and cross-functional alignment
• Present technical insights, risks, and recommendations to leadership and global R&D partners
• Support manufacturing, quality, field investigations, and vehicle certification activities
• Lead benchmarking of competitor ICE/hybrid vehicles and identify actionable insights
• Mentor and support junior engineers within the team
• Travel domestically and internationally (up to 15%)

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated excellence in vehicle calibration, testing, and data-driven decision-making
• Expert-level understanding of emissions/OBD regulatory frameworks (CARB, EPA)
• Strong understanding of calibration tuning workflows, toolchains, and validation methodologies
• Ability to lead complex debugging activities across hardware, software, and vehicle systems
• Strong working knowledge of vehicle communication networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet)
• Expertise in data acquisition and instrumentation, including tools such as ETAS/INCA
• Deep knowledge of engine control systems, combustion, and aftertreatment fundamentals
• Strong communication, cross-functional leadership, and ability to influence technical direction
• Consistent demonstration of professional integrity, confidentiality, and sound engineering judgment

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in ME, EE, or related engineering discipline
• 6 years’ experience in propulsion emissions or OBD calibration
• Strong foundation in propulsion system principles, including hybrid architectures
• Proven experience with emissions testing, calibration methodologies, and regulatory compliance
• Hands-on experience with communication networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and calibration tools
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in ME, EE, or related field
• 8 years of experience in emissions development, calibration, and validation
• Experience with PM emissions mitigation, including GPF calibration/development
• OBD-II calibration experience for mass-production programs
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) and advanced calibration optimization techniques
• MATLAB/Simulink or Python proficiency for data analysis

• 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
• Competitive Salaries
• 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. VEVRM Federal contractor.