Technical Analysis & Investigation Engineer

Date: Apr 15, 2024

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 time off starting at 14 days per year. 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

Exempt

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 - 40%

Evaluate performance of Kia vehicles in the field for potential safety and reliability conditions. Provide notification to management and draft material for 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.

3rd Priority - 15%

Inspect post-crash and post thermal-event vehicles to determine vehicle system status and operation.

4th Priority - 10%

Review and track NHTSA complaints and government investigations.

5th Priority - 5%

Assist Kia Legal and outside counsel for claim and lawsuit case defense and trial preparation.

 

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 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:

  • Domestic travel required (up to 20%) and occasional international travel required
  • May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required
  • Perform other duties as assigned
     

Skills

Hands-on automotive technical knowledge of body, chassis, powertrain, brakes, electrical, and safety systems.
Advanced knowledge of PC business software including Microsoft Office, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Careful, analytical mindset with high attention to detail leading to concise problem identification and solutions
Good interpersonal skills with a high level of integrity and experience working with a cross-functional team.
Good written and oral communication skills.

Competencies

CHALLENGE - Solving Complex Problems
COLLABORATION - Building and Supporting Teams
CUSTOMER - Serving Customers
GLOBALITY - Showing Community and Social Responsibility
PEOPLE - Interacting with People at Different Levels

Pay Range

$69,547 - $123,925

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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