Integrated engineering set Han Yu up to work on drivetrain systems for Hyundai

"Engineering is all about finding solutions."

Han Yu

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
Grad year: 2022
Program:
- Integrated Engineering
Campus: Vancouver

Job: Design engineer, Hyundai Motor Group

Why did you choose to study engineering at UBC?

I was interested in engineering from when I was a small child – I remember how satisfying it was when I was able to fix a friend’s broken toy. As I got older, I became quite interested in science. I saw engineering as something that combined technical problem-solving with the theoretical elements of science. I chose to do engineering at UBC as I wanted to study abroad and live outside of my home country, Korea.

Any highlights from your time as an undergraduate?

At UBC, you select your program specialization at the end of first year. I chose integrated engineering because I was finding it difficult to choose just one program. I wanted to experience all the programs and IGEN was a way to do that. I focused on mechanical, materials and electrical.

Integrated engineering students do capstones in each year of the program.

One capstone project that stands out for me was designing an assistive walking device for people with visual impairments.

We started off by interviewing people who would use this device and then designed something to meet their specific needs. Our team was very enthusiastic about this project and we really tried to develop a project that would help end users.

Tell us about your life after graduating.

I wanted to work in the automotive industry, and decided to return to Korea to start my career in one of the largest automotive companies in the world, Hyundai. Until last year I was working for Hyundai Motor Group on a project to develop a brand-new hybrid drivetrain system called TMED-II (Transmission-Mounted Electric Device-II). I was part of the design engineering team trying to design and optimize major components of the gearbox.

During this period, I observed and experienced a lot of mechanical failures, some that I had seen during classes and in textbooks, and others that were new to me. Although the process was challenging, my team and I successfully developed the transmission.

Validation and verification were complete through various testings, and now the product has finally been launched. After the production of TMED-II, I moved to a team to start a new powertrain design project.

What do you like most about your job?

I am a car guy and I love all the elements that make up a car. It’s really fun to work on the systems that make a car move.

Engineering is all about finding solutions. There are always going to be unexpected issues that arise, and your job as an engineer is to analyze those issues, identify the source, break the problem down into its components and come up with potential solutions. This is the challenge of my job but it is also what makes it exciting and rewarding.

Integrated engineering was a good choice for me because it exposed me to many different engineering disciplines and helped me understand how they connect. As a design engineer, I need to understand both the specific part I am designing but also the hybrid transmission system as a whole. Many mechanical failures, for example, can be related to materials.

Any advice for students just starting out at UBC?

Between first and second year I had to return to Korea for several years to complete my military service and when I returned to Canada for second year I was focused on completing my degree as soon as possible. Looking back, I wish I had pursued co-op or got involved in design teams to gain some hands-on engineering experience while still a student.

I really enjoyed my time in Vancouver.

The Vancouver lifestyle was so different from what I was used to growing up in Korea. It’s a slower pace of life where people seem to take the time to enjoy themselves.

On a sunny day on campus, you’ll find so many people just relaxing on the grass, reading books or hanging out with friends.

Student