Plastic Recycling Materials Engineer

Job Description

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Plastic Recycling Materials Engineer to develop new material technologies and support North and South American production through collaborative work with Engineering Design, Design Studios, Manufacturing, and Purchasing divisions. This role is located within the Materials Development Department at our Superior Township, MI location (just East of Ann Arbor).

In this role you will:

Evaluate various chemical recycling technologies for their value to our supply chain. Identify optimal recycling technologies for each family of polymers via cost, LCA value, availability, quality, and performance. Develop new polymeric compounds with recycled content (PP, TPO, PA, PET, PC, ABS, PU, etc.) in future launching vehicles. Work scope includes patent submissions, R&D projects, production material quality improvements, and co-work within Hyundai Motor Group divisions, suppliers, and the Hyundai R&D center in Namyang, South Korea.

This candidate will identify high potential new materials technology projects (focusing on sustainability, value, and recycling technologies), then execute and manage the development of this technology from concept to a production-ready solution. This includes budget allocation and proposal requests, project management of materials testing, materials development, processing evaluation, component level performance, and transfer to related teams upon successful completion.

This position also includes performing root cause analysis of field claim quality issues and collaborating with assembly plants, engineering design teams, and suppliers to implement improvement countermeasures.

Additional responsibilities may include periodic audit testing of material performance to specification requirements, and competitor benchmark investigations.

This role requires candidates to conduct laboratory testing of materials and evaluate material performance. Must be comfortable with directing lab technicians on testing, analyzing results, and reporting results to management.

Improve the quality of current Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis production parts.

Assist in planning and monitoring of department budgets.

Create and present technical reports as assigned.

Perform administrative functions such as purchasing requests, vacation requests, travel requests, etc.

Perform additional projects as assigned.

Travel up to 20% of time - Air and ground, both domestically and internationally.

Conversational level of a second language is a plus.

What we offer:

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

Flexible work hours, and hybrid work schedule options

Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts

Desired Experience and Skills

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Rubber or Plastic Technology, Polymer Science; Other degrees may be considered based on relevant experience.

3-5 years of relevant experience

Experience in polymeric materials, with emphasis on recycling is a plus

Valid Driver's License and Satisfactory Driving Record

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.

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