Technical Analysis & Investigation Engineer - EV​/Hybrid

Technical Analysis & Investigation Engineer - EV/Hybrid

Irvine, CA, US, 92606

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

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.

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.

• BS degree in Engineering or Automotive Technology or equivalent work experience required.

• 3-5 years of experience in automotive technical positions or in an engineering environment.

• Strong working knowledge of automobiles with the ability to perform hands‑on vehicle system performance assessments.

• 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.

• 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.
• Care for People
• Chase Excellence Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further Together

$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.

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…