Manager, Safety and Compliance

Kia America; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,501 - 195,490; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) match up to 6%

Paid time off

Company-paid vehicle

Paid volunteer hours

Job summary

A leading automotive company is seeking a National Manager to oversee safety evaluations and investigations at their Irvine, California office. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background and experience in managing technical teams. Responsibilities include analyzing safety-related claims, collaborating with legal departments, and leading investigations in compliance with NHTSA standards. The position offers a competitive salary range of $135,501 - $195,490 per year, plus a range of benefits including a 401(k) plan and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in technical roles in the automotive industry.
• 5 years of automotive industry experience required.
• 2 years of supervisory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigation of safety-related issues and provide analysis.
• Oversee technical review for NHTSA investigations.
• Supervise technical support for legal department.

Skills

Ability to interpret Event Data Recorder and Airbag Control Unit records

Ability to analyze and present technical data

Knowledge of MS Office and automotive systems

Strong technical knowledge of safety systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or automotive technology

Tools

Automotive service information systems

Job description

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. This range is provided by Kia America. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$135,501.00/yr - $195,490.00/yr

Additional compensation types

Annual Bonus

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 to match of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off.

Kia also offers all paid Kia company vehicle (registration, maintenance and insurance fully paid by company), purchase programs, relocation packages, company‑wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.

Status

Exempt

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.

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 Requirements

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

Pay Range

$135,501 - $195,490

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.

EEO Statement

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 protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.