Field Technical Specialist

Kus

About The Position

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 Exempt General Summary The Field Technical Specialist (FTS) investigates, analyzes and repairs vehicle issues and conditions that occur in the field, and assists KUS and dealers in handling difficult vehicle technical concerns that cannot be resolved through day-to-day channels (i.e., Technical Assistance Center, DPSMs, RPSMs, etc.). The FTS provides the highest skill-level technical and diagnostic aptitude to the role. In addition, the 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
Completion and maintenance of all ASE (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, L1, L3, L4) Certifications throughout employment required.
A minimum of four years automotive industry experience.
Minimum two years hands-on type automotive technical representative.
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.
Strong working knowledge of automobiles with ability to perform hands-on diagnostic, mechanical and electrical work on automotive systems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Basic PC skills.

Responsibilities

Assist Kia customers, dealerships and KUS staff by performing or supervising effective vehicle repairs/inspections that are escalated through established processes.
Determine, assess and report the scope of technical issues with Kia vehicles occurring in the field via Field Product Quality Report or other reports as directed. Assists the Product Quality Department with special requests and/or visitors regarding technical issues. Provide technical testimony, as necessary, in arbitrations and trials involving KUS vehicles.
Provide and promote technical training, updates, information and assistance to 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 KUS vehicle quality and performance.
Achieve & maintain ASE (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, L1, L3, L4) Certification & Kia FTS Certification as measured by completed course metrics through Kia University.