R&D Operations Engineer

HATCI is the North American R&D HQ for Hyundai Motor Group and is growing to support global vehicle and mobility programs. With locations across Michigan, California, and Georgia we continuously modernize and improve how we operate-increasing our scalable, efficient, and transparent operational practices.

To enable this transformation, we are seeking an R&D Operations Engineer to support our Head of Operations in driving process improvement, system deployment, and project management across the R&D organization.

• Process Improvement & Ways of Working
  
  
  
  • Assess and document current-state processes across R&D and operational functions
  • Identify inefficiencies, duplication, and gaps in accountability
  • Design future-state processes aligned with best practices and organizational scale
  • Develop clear process documentation including: Process maps and flowcharts, Standard Work Instructions, (SWIs), Procedures and operating guidelines
  • Own and drive action plans to close process gaps and support adoption
  
  
  
  
• Change Facilitation
  
  
  
  • Independently design and facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, process reviews
  • Engage cross-functional stakeholders to drive alignment and ownership
  • Influence outcomes through strong facilitation, storytelling, and data-driven insights
  
  
  
  
• Project Management
  
  
  
  • Lead a diverse array of projects, coordinating within HATCI as well as with outside HMG affiliates
  • Define project structure - scoping, organization, building project team, risk management, budget management, project tracking
  • Create project deliverables - reports, procedures, documentation, etc.
  
  
  
  
• Executive & Leadership Reporting
  
  
  
  • Create executive-ready materials and updates for senior leadership
  • Translate complex operational topics into clear, concise messaging
  • Prepare recurring operational review content and ad-hoc analyses
  • Support administration of operational KPIs
  
  
  
  
• Software & Digital Tool Deployment
  
  
  
  • Support deployment and adoption of modern business tools
  • Assist with tool configuration, governance models, and training materials
  • Act as a bridge between end users, leadership, and IT/system owners
  
  
  
  
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  
  
  
  • Work closely with all HATCI functional groups (e.g. Engineering, Finance, Leadership)
  • Ensure processes and tools support seamless cross-functional operations
  • Navigate cultural, functional, and geographic differences effectively
  
  
  
  

• Required Skills and Knowledge:
  
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience in:
    
    
    
    • Business process improvement
    • Operational transformation
    • Working within engineering or R&D organizations
    • Bringing an analytical and structured approach to solve ambiguous or loosely-defined problems
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

• Additional Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Additional Desired Attributes
    
    
    
    • Previous experience working with or within a Korean company or business culture
    • Fluency in English required; Korean language skills highly desirable
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Proven ability to influence without direct authority
    • Comfortable operating in ambiguity and rapidly changing environments
    • Confident facilitator and presenter; able to motivate and mobilize teams
    • High level of ownership, independence, and professionalism
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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  • Desired Software & Technical Proficiency
    
    
    
    • Microsoft 365 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams); strong PowerPoint storytelling
    • Power BI and/or Tableau (dashboard creation and interpretation)
    • Jira, monday.com (or similar Work OS / PPM platforms)
    • Confluence, Notion (or similar Knowledge Management platforms)
    • SAP
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

• Educational Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a STEM-related discipline
  
  
  
  

• Related Industry Experience Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Minimum 5-10 years of relevant experience
  • Experience in automotive, manufacturing, or R&D environments preferred
  
  
  
  

• 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
• Opportunity to shape the success of a growing R&D organization
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives
• High-impact role with visible results

• 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.VEVRAAFederal contractor.