Color Material Finish; CMF Quality Management Professional

Color Quality Management (CQM) Expert WHAT YOU WILL DO

As CMF Professional in our CMF Next Design Studio at Kia Design Center America, you will be responsible for evaluating and improving the color harmony of our automotive trim components. You will be responsible for evaluations and quality development based on the color master that is distributed by the relevant departments. You will be evaluating and improving color, grain and gloss of developed parts and securing consistent color harmony emotional quality.

(Evaluate and develop based on the color master distributed by CMF team).

• Evaluate and approve color, grain, and gloss characteristics to ensure consistent emotional quality in both interior and exterior components.
• Quantitative measurement and harmony evaluation based on color specifications and masters provided by relevant departments.
• Support all phases of quality control through to mass production in collaboration with global departments and production plants.

• Manage color master development for each project, including detailed specification definition.
  • Define grain and detailed specifications - joining the grain spec explanation session and cooperating on detailed specs.
  • Pre‑review raw materials depending on prior development of them for each method.
  • Conduct emotional quality harmony evaluation and approve interior & exterior color, grain and gloss.
  • Collaborating with quality control department in each plant to improve color and gloss and quality problem solving for production vehicles including plant quality control and vendors.

• Manage and coordinate production master samples and maintain a comprehensive physical and digital library.
• Guide material testing in partnership with HMETC material testing department, Kia HQ (Namyang) and suppliers; consolidate and report test results and follow up on improvements.

• Cooperate closely with Kia HQ and other global CMF teams to ensure alignment with the brand's emotional quality standards.

• Contribute to CMF design support and innovation projects as needed.
• Participate in regular business travel and short‑term assignments for quality reviews, knowledge exchange and standard alignment.
• Manage concept car models (vendors) made from each studio, check the design quality and follow up on the model building.

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Visual Design, or a related field.
• 8+ years of CQM-related responsibilities relevant experience in automotive or mobility design
• Strong track record of participation in multiple full vehicle projects, preferably with global coordination
• Deep understanding of CMF development processes, emotional quality analysis, and production workflows.
• Strong technical and aesthetic judgment for colour harmony, gloss, and grain evaluation.
• High level of autonomy and leadership in project execution; trusted as a subject matter expert.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Korean language proficiency preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across cultures and time zones with strong project ownership.
• Comfortable with frequent international business travel and extended training periods in Korea.
• Proficient in adobe programs, Microsoft office. Autodesk.
• Travel up to 30%, domestically and internationally.

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
  • $115,000~$165,000
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Flexible work hours, and hybrid work schedule options
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts

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.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.