Technical Analysis and Investigation Engineer

Kia Corporation•Tustin, CA

9d•$77,105 - $110,272•Hybrid

About The Position

Technical Analysis Engineers lead and support vehicle and component investigations for the Kia North America Safety Office’s goal to quickly detect and assess potential safety issues of Kia vehicles in the field. They review and investigate trends in potential safety issues across the North American market. They provide product analysis engineering support on a case-by-case basis for U.S. customer claims and lawsuits that allege vehicle potential safety issues. They take ownership of emerging and escalated potential safety issues as assigned and perform vehicle and components evaluation as necessary while continuing to work with the assessment team to evaluate field data and related issues. They work with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate multidisciplinary reviews, including hands-on inspections of vehicles, systems, and individual components across North America. They also analyze data from a variety of sources to support technical assessments and investigations.

Requirements

BS degree in Engineering/Automotive Technology or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum 0-5 years of paid professional experience in automotive technical positions such as Automotive Engineering or in an equivalent engineering environment depending on relevant degree.
Strong working knowledge of automobiles with the ability to perform hands-on vehicle system performance assessments.
Hands-on automotive technical knowledge of body, chassis, powertrain, brakes, electrical, and safety systems as well as diagnostic tools.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work and communicate clearly with members of various KUS departments and foreign entities including but not limited to other subsidiaries and government agencies.
Advanced knowledge of standard PC software such as MS Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Working knowledge of statistical and component life data analysis concepts.

Nice To Haves

Experience in thermal events or crash investigations a plus.
Preferred technical knowledge on electrical vehicles systems (EV, PHEV, HEV, etc.).
Working knowledge of Python, Power BI, or equivalent platforms a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and support safety investigation of Kia vehicles, assigned.
Organize joint investigations with Kia development, manufacturing and affiliates, review available field and vehicle data, and coordinate next steps for assigned projects.
Inspect and document vehicles and components related to customer allegations, field concerns, customer care, and potential safety matters.
Provide technical analysis support to Kia Customer Care for customer claims and notify management of potential safety concerns.
Assist with Kia product technical knowledge to support Kia investigation team, as required.
Interface with internal and external teams, agencies, and partners to support investigations; maintain accurate records and provide timely status and investigation updates to management and other NASO teams, particularly to Data Analysis team.
Engage in personal technical development and continuous improvement, including identifying trends and recurring concerns, and taking self-study and technical trainings.
Support the Kia North America Safety Office (NASO) goal of providing safety to Kia customers through the early detection of potential safety issues, prompt and thorough investigation and assessment, and quick action.
Identify, prioritize, investigate, and escalate issues according to established department processes.
Conduct vehicle and component investigations in the field, at Kia, and at affiliate locations to evaluate real-world performance. Gather diagnostic information, review service records, and document vehicle conditions. Vehicles may be in post-crash, post-fire, and/or otherwise damaged condition.
Maintain accurate investigation records and prepare and deliver findings and investigation status updates to NASO management.
Support cross-functional teams comprising of members from various internal and external stakeholders to drive investigation strategies and technical direction and ensure timely support from involved parties.
Apply kinematics and dynamics analysis to assess vehicle performance in crashes and/or fire science methodology in NFPA 921 to assess damage from thermal events.
Utilize investigation methodologies, forensic analysis techniques, and best practices for safety investigations. This may include driving new, used, and test vehicles, installing various components, and testing and validating the performance of any vehicle system, operation, or component.
Provide technical assistance to internal business units and external stakeholders in support of claims, potential lawsuit claims defense, and trial preparation.
Analyze available data to support Early Warning trend investigations and NHTSA inquiries.
Review and assess NHTSA EWR trend investigations, complaints, and investigations, Kia field data analyses, QIRs, Field Reports, Techline and Customer Care cases, Warranty data, driving and event data, and stakeholder findings related to assigned safety investigations.