Research & Development Engineer

About SubaruLOVE. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru. As a leading auto brand in the US, we strive to be More Than a Car Company. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations but with actions that set an example for others to follow. That’s what we call our Subaru Love Promise. Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953, Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure. Subaru's company culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our team members are driven by a common goal: to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight our customers. ROLE SUMMARY The Research & Development Engineer (Connected Car HMI Engineering) analyzes, recommends, implements, inspects, and verifies North American engineering activities to evaluate the United States market and set target performance goals for future products. Activities include analyzing automotive technical trends and proposing to develop vehicles that meet the current and future demands of our customers, while correlating testing with Japan counterparts; this must be structured on all necessary information provided by upper management by communications with Subaru Corporation (SBR) and Subaru of America (SOA). Creates and executes best proposals of cockpit user experience (UX) by both of building prototypes and utilizing data transformation technology (DX); prototype includes meter cluster, center information display (CID), hard keys, telematics device, smartphone (mobile device), and any additional sensors to improve UX of car ownership. Essential job functions include: -Executing the research and development of sensors and functions which can be used for/useful to improve Human Machine Interface (HMI). -Creating prototype systems and collaborating with other teams to build mock-ups of user interface (UI)/UX as well as analysis of graphical user interface (GUI)/HMI for evaluations using smartphone app and mechatronics. -Collaborating with designers and engineers to build systems. -Evaluating and researching cockpit systems and discussing constructive options. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Prototyping, Data Acquisition, and Analysis Plans, coordinates, and executes prototyping of hardware and software to build cockpit mockup for survey, clinic, and other research activities Prototyping includes designing structures by computer-aided design (CAD), making rapid-prototypes by 3D printer, manufacturing components with an external supplier, and implementation of software in microcontroller unit (MCU) and smartphone. Collaborates with other engineers for better efficiency in time and cost. Plans, coordinates, and executes data acquisition of user data by various sensor technologies, such as camera, radar, and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), etc. Develops tools to organize data, analyze data, and distribute data to internal collaborators. Develops tools for efficient numerical analysis, focusing on usability and the effectiveness of warnings through sound and visual information, and makes full use of Python, etc., to link the sensations felt by people with numerical values, clarify the correlation, and incorporate the values into drawings as requirement values. Utilizes cloud analysis tools with not only Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Azure but also artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Connected Car Human Machine Interface (HMI) Development Develops, defines, and refines the theme’s direction, objectives, value propositions, and roadmap, based on a deep understanding of the client needs and industry landscape. Performs research and brainstorms solutions consulting with managers and senior-level engineers. Balances opportunities and business needs while keeping stakeholders informed and updated. Collaborates with engineers and designers on our team to find simpler and more effective ways to meet the needs of our product and business. Supports in defining product requirements, creating and maintaining a prioritized backlog based on customer research, analysis, and rigorous discipline and methodology which is modified scrum style.  Develops the better HMI under some restrictions and limitations from Subaru Corporation (SBR), dedicating proper sprint planning and proper utilization of development cycles. Collaborates with other teams and works cross-functionally under the guidance by managers and senior-level engineers. Supports and coordinates external client-facing or internal go-to-market launches of new products. Supports user research for cockpit function development and discusses and defines milestones to achieve the goal as a team. Vehicle Evaluation and Benchmark Evaluates competitor products and Subaru development mules, near-production, and production vehicles to identify weaknesses and strengths in the areas such as HMI (hard keys, center information display [CID], cluster meter, sound, , phone apps, and usability. Plans, coordinates, and executes the development of hardware and software to make evaluations effective and efficient. Conducts trend exploration of in-vehicle HMI and the market as well as other investigative research from a future-focused perspective and reflects survey results in the next-generation car in order to improve product capabilities. Plans, coordinates, and executes the preparation of reports, surveys, and research information, including in-house-rapid-prototyping, and analyzes data to achieve actionable results. Reports opinions and interpretations based upon engineering and designing knowledge and experience. Exercises foresight. Coordinates various research programs and driving tests requested by SBR and North American Subaru, Inc. Research & Development (NASI R&D); this includes gathering research/intelligence on competitive products. Suggests modifications of methods to the project members. Promotion of Team's Projects Responds to special requests for information from the team leader. Links closely with SBR’s goal through consultation and collaboration with NASI’s General Manager (GM). Plans, coordinates, and executes the preparation of reports, surveys, research information, etc. Attends outside meetings such as company group meetings, seminars, trade shows, conventions, and conferences for both information sharing and learning purposes. Attends technical conferences, makes visits to universities, and gathers information regarding specific industries; understands current market conditions including competitor positioning. Performs job functions with accuracy, and in a collaborative and timely manner. Miscellaneous Creates a report for each task. Reports all irregular issues and problems to supervisor for resolution. Collaborates with other engineering teams closely to share your development with others as well as learn others' developments. Accepts visitors and obtains new information by attending meetings and conferences and reading industry journals as well as talking to contacts in other companies. Observes and maintains all safety regulations and procedures as needed. Share knowledge with other employees in proper techniques and procedures. Maintains good communication both inside and outside the company. Performs special projects and other miscellaneous duties as assigned by management. REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS Up to 2 years of automotive engineering experience (not limited in original equipment manufacturers [OEMs] and experience with software development in microcontroller unit (MCU) and/or smartphone app. Computer savvy; skilled in the use of software. Mechanical engineering skills and skilled in the use of 3D printer and similar rapid prototyping tools (operator level). Software engineering skills and skilled in Android/iPhone app development (beginner-trainee level). Ability to judge and describe automobile performance both subjectively and in engineering terminology. Specialist skills/learning attitude in automobile evaluation. Ability to evaluate aspects of an automobile as an expert customer. Holds a valid driver's license PREFERRED SKILLS Up to 2 years of experience with using cloud system (ex. Amazon Web Services [AWS], Google Cloud Platform [GCP], Azure). Ability to maintain "Agile style" development as a team member. Ability to think analytically and conceptually using logic and reason; creative and strategic skills. Strong interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS  Bachelor's degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related field or . Diploma and equivalent work experience. WORK ENVIRONMENT Hybrid Role: Remote work 2 days per week (After 90 Days) Internal Work Environment: Prolonged sitting at desk and computer. Physical Demands: Rarely lifts and moves computing equipment up to 20 lbs. Travel Required: 20% COMPENSATION The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $57,000.00 - $82,000.00/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (Internal Job Grade: P1) In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision Plans Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings 15 Vacation days, 9 Company Holidays, 5 Floating Holidays, and 5 Sick days. Tuition Reimbursement Program Vehicle Discount Programs Visit our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.