EV Field Technical Specialist
Date: Jun 12, 2025
Location: Northern California, California, US
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
The EV Field Technical Specialist (EV FTS) investigates, analyzes, and repairs vehicle issues and conditions that occur in the field with a primary focus on EV, PHEV, and Hybrid vehicles. Assists KUS and KIA dealers in handling difficult vehicle technical concerns that cannot be resolved through day-to-day channels (i.e., Techline, DPSMs, RPSMs, etc.). The EV FTS provides the highest skill-level technical and diagnostic aptitude to the role. In addition, the EV FTS serves as the definitive resource on repairs and diagnostics to assist Service personnel at Kia dealerships. This position significantly impacts and contributes to the organization for improved customer/dealer satisfaction and provides important product quality data to company management.
Major Responsibilities
1st - Through an established escalations process, assist Kia dealerships and KUS staff by performing or supervising effective vehicle repairs/inspections on Kia vehicles with a primary focus on EV, PHEV, and Hybrid vehicles. Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and the main point of contact for EV technical related inquiries within the FTS team. (50%)
2nd - Identify, assess, and report technical issues with Kia vehicles occurring in the field via established reporting processes and systems. Assists the Product Quality Department with special requests and/or dealer and port visits regarding technical issues. Assist the KUS legal department with vehicle inspections, depositions, arbitrations, and provide technical testimony, as necessary, in trials involving Kia vehicles. (20%)
3rd - Promote technical training, technical updates, technical /service information, and assist Kia dealership personnel. Report to KUS management, team members and/or their affiliates (i.e., DPSM, RPSM, National CA staff, Legal Dept., Product Quality) regarding Kia vehicle quality and performance. (15%)
4th - Achieve & maintain ASE (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, L1, L3) Certification & Kia FTS Certification as measured by completed course metrics through Kia University.(15%)
Education/Certification
- Automotive EV vehicle certification required.
- Bachelor’s degree, technical college degree, or equivalent work experience required.
- Completion and maintenance of all ASE (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, L1, L3).
Overall Experience
- A minimum of five years automotive industry experience.
Directly Related Experience
- Minimum of three years of automotive technician experience.
- Minimum of one-year automotive EV certified technician experience.
Other Requirements:
- Domestic travel is required while occasional travel may be required internationally.
- May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Must live in or be able to relocate to the Northern California area.
Skills
Competencies
Pay Range
$74,859.00 - $100,227.00
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.
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