Kia America · 5 months ago
National Manager, Forensic Engineering & Investigation
Irvine, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$136K/yr - $195K/yr
10+ years expKia America is redefining value in the automotive industry with a focus on innovation and collaboration. The National Manager for Forensic Engineering & Investigation will lead investigations into potential safety issues, support legal departments in assessing vehicle performance, and oversee the Forensic Engineering & Investigation team to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Automotive
Responsibilities
Lead the investigation of potential safety-related issues and provide engineering analysis and recommendations to the Director, Safety Evaluation & Regulatory Compliance. Collaborate closely with other Safety Office teams and Kia North America teams to support early detection and early action related to potential safety issues
Lead the technical review, analysis, and action plan for NHTSA investigations, inquiries, and complaints (VOQs) involving Kia products. Supervise and prioritize investigation of related field vehicles and components
Lead the liaison activities with and supervise the technical support for Kia America Legal Department counsel, outside counsel, and experts involving potential safety-related product allegation claims and lawsuits
Supervise the technical support activities related to product allegation Customer Care cases that are potential safety-related and provide technical recommendations to Customer Care Department under the guidance of legal counsel
Ensure the ongoing development of the FEI team’s knowledge and skills by reviewing training plans, organizing formal team training events, attending outside training/seminars, requiring self-studying, and promoting informal knowledge sharing events among team members
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering or automotive technology, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Minimum of 10 years of experience in technical positions (e.g., Product Investigation Engineer, Product or Service Engineer, District Parts & Service Manager, Training Center Manager, Technical Compliance Specialist, Field Technical Specialist)
Minimum 5 years of automotive industry experience
Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience
Working knowledge of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements
Must have a valid driver's license
Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping, typing, and fine manipulation)
Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office and in/around a vehicle
Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop
Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended periods of time
Ability to stand for occasional periods of time
Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds
Ability to interpret Event Data Recorder and Airbag Control Unit records
Ability to accurately analyze and present technical data to technical and non-technical people, in written, visual, and verbal communications
Ability to represent the company in a professional manner to government agencies, other companies, local law firms, judges, and juries
Knowledge of MS Office, case management system(s), and automotive service information system(s)
Leadership skills to support growth, development, and management of a team of direct and indirect reports
Strong technical knowledge of brakes, stability control, and other active safety systems
Strong technical knowledge of airbag, seat belt, and other passive safety systems
Strong technical knowledge of gasoline, electric, and hybrid powertrains, as well as ADAS and body electrical systems
Strong technical knowledge of accident vehicle kinematics and dynamics
Strong technical knowledge of fire science
Benefits
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
Paid time off
Company lease and purchase programs
Company-wide holiday shutdown
Paid volunteer hours
Premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California
Company
Kia America
Kia America is headquartered in Irvine, California and is a subsidiary of Kia Corporation.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Seungkyu Yoon
President & CEO
John Yoon
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Recent News
Morningstar.com
2025-10-31
2025-10-30
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