Senior Development Engineer

Experience level: Mid-senior

Experience required: 8 Years

Education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job function: Engineering

Industry: Automotive

Compensation: $101,000-$160,000 (not to be shared with the candidate)

Compensation info: There is a flexibility in the salary range

Total position: 1

Relocation assistance: Yes

Visa sponsorship eligibility: No

Duties/Responsibilities

● Develop new tires to meet the optimal performance required for customer approvals.

● Maintain and enhance the performance of existing tires to meet customer

expectations.

● Develop test plans to evaluate tires.

● Analyze tire data to make tire design recommendations.

● Work closely with KRDC development engineers on OEM and Replacement projects.

● Travel to plants to assist in new tire development and manufacturing as required.

● Participation in Tire related organizations, i.e. TRA, ETRTO, TMC, USTMA, RMA...

● Interface directly with OEM and internal customers.

● Lead tire development programs with minimal supervision.

Required Skills / Abilities

● The ability to work with cross-functional and international teams is a must.

● CATIA V5 proficiency.

● Basic Tire FEA.

● Domestic and international travel.

Knowledge of plant-related activities concerning component preparation, tire

building, and curing.

● The ability to work directly with plant production teams and process engineers.

● Knowledge of regulatory issues concerning tires.

● Basic knowledge of compounding as it relates to tire performance.

● Advanced knowledge of tire construction.

● Ability to design and optimize mold profiles and constructions independently.

● Intermediate knowledge of tread pattern design and ability to optimize tread patterns.

Education & Experience

BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

7 years of tire development experience required.

DEPARTMENT: Kumho Akron Technical Center

REPORTS TO: Engineering Group Manager

Must have:

● Tire Development Expertise: Advanced knowledge of tire construction, mold

design, and tread pattern optimization.

● CATIA V5 Proficiency: Hands-on experience with CATIA V5 for tire design.

● Tire FEA (Finite Element Analysis): Basic understanding and application of

tire FEA.

● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work with cross-functional

and international teams.

● Manufacturing Process Knowledge: Understanding of plant activities like

component preparation, tire building, and curing processes.

● Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with tire-related regulations and industry

standards (e.g., TRA, ETRTO, USTMA).

● Data Analysis Skills: Ability to analyze tire performance data to make design

recommendations.

● Travel Readiness: Willingness and ability to travel domestically and

internationally.

● Problem-Solving: Capability to lead tire development projects independently

and address challenges.

● Experience: Minimum of 7 years in tire development.

Screening Questions

1.) Please provide the link to candidate’s LinkedIn profile:

2.) What is the candidate’s highest level of education?

3.) Has the candidate applied or been interviewed for any role with this company in the past?

If so, please provide details.

4.) What is the candidate’s desired total compensation? (Please specify base salary vs.

commission/bonus expectation)

5.) Where is the candidate located? If candidate is not near the job location, please explain

relocation plan in detail (e.g. timeline, relocating with family, selling/buying property)

6.) Is the candidate legally authorized to work in the US for any employer?

7.) Will the candidate now or in the future, require immigration sponsorship for work

authorization (for example, H-1B status)?

8.) Can you describe your experience in developing and optimizing tire designs, including

your proficiency with tools like CATIA V5 and tire FEA, and how you've collaborated with

cross-functional teams or manufacturing plants to bring a tire from concept to production?

9.) Do you have a non-compete that would prevent you from working for Kumho Tires?