National Manager, Forensic Engineering & Investigation

General Summary

The National Manager will use engineering skills and automotive knowledge to assist the Director, Safety Evaluation & Regulatory Compliance, in investigating potential safety issues on Kia products and lead the Forensic Engineering & Investigation (FEI) team. Primary responsibilities include overseeing vehicle-, system-, and component-level safety evaluations by the Kia North America Safety Office, supporting Kia America Legal and Customer Care departments and outside counsel in assessing vehicle performance related to claims and lawsuits, and developing Kia’s response to NHTSA investigations, inquiries, and complaints.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 35%

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.

2nd Priority - 25%

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.

3rd Priority - 15%

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.

4th Priority - 15%

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.

5th Priority - 10%

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.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or automotive technology, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Job Requirement

Overall Related 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.

Directly Related Experience:

• Working knowledge of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires driving Kia and competitor vehicles to evaluate vehicles.
• Domestic and international travel may be required up to 20%
• 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.
  

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• 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.