Technical Analysis & Investigation Engineer
Date: Mar 28, 2025
Location: Irvine, California, US, 92606
Company: Kia America, Inc.
At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.
Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status
Summary
Technical Analysis Engineers handle vehicle and component investigations to pursue quick and accurate detection of potential safety or reliability conditions to support Kia customers. They review and support customer claim investigations and provide technical engineering support for claim defense and timely resolution. They monitor and evaluate vehicle performance in the field across the North American market to determine component and system operation and function throughout the vehicle lifecycle. These investigations include hands-on inspections of vehicles that may have experienced extreme circumstances such as crashes or fires, potentially related to Lemon Law, warranty, or other litigation matters.
Major Responsibilities
1st Priority - 30%
Monitor and evaluate performance of Kia vehicles in the field for potential safety and reliability conditions. Conduct vehicle and component investigations then draft material for management review of potential safety defects that may require field action.
2nd Priority - 30%
Provide technical analysis support to Kia Customer Care team for customer claim defense and resolution. Provide notification to management of potential safety concerns.
3rd Priority - 15%
Perform post-crash and post thermal-event vehicle inspection to determine vehicle system status and operation. Provide vehicle inspection results for claim resolution.
4th Priority - 15%
Provide technical assistance to Kia Legal and outside counsel as required.
5th Priority - 10%
Review and assess NHTSA complaints and government investigations.
Education/Certification
- BS degree in Engineering or Automotive Technology or equivalent work experience required.
Overall Experience
- 3-5 years of experience in automotive technical positions such as Automotive Engineering or in an engineering environment
Directly Related Experience
- Strong working knowledge of automobiles with the ability to perform hands-on vehicle system performance assessments
Other Requirements:
- Frequent domestic travel (25%) and occasional international travel required
- May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Skills
Competencies
Pay Range
$74,859 - $110,272
Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunities
KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Nearest Major Market: Irvine California
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
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Thermal Engineering, Engineer, Compliance, Investigation, Engineering, Legal, Automotive