Field Data Analysis Engineer

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 time off starting at 14 days per year. 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

Summary

The purpose of this position is to support the Field Data Analysis Manager and Data Evaluation Team (DET) by identifying at an early stage in a model’s life cycle, any emerging Potential Safety Issues (PSIs) through data searches and sophisticated analysis of Kia America (KUS) data from all primary data sources, including warranty, Techline, Consumer Affairs, customer pay, NHTSA Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), as well as other data sources, as applicable. This position will also support safety and noncompliance recall decision-making and requests by NHTSA for Defect Petitions, Preliminary Evaluations, investigations, and pre-investigative requests for information. This position will also support KUS Legal Department for defense of class action suits and in-house and outside counsel requests. 

Major Responsibilities

1st Priority – 40%

Review data sources as assigned for new PSIs. Work from analytic dashboards and generate reports showing emerging field issues using primary field data sources, as well as other data sources as appropriate. Investigate PSIs across data sources to determine current complaint counts, rates, and any trends from the data, from emerging field issues stage through safety evaluation list stage and to field action decision stage, if applicable. Identify PSIs and potential noncompliance issues and inform Field Data Analysis Manager of them at the earliest point in time.

2nd Priority – 25% 

Coordinate with Forensic Engineering and Investigation team to hand over and collaborate on analyses and updates. Provide analysis explanations to management, coordinators, other departments, and Kia HQ staff.

3rd Priority – 20% 

Provide data analysis support for NHTSA inquiries, investigations, monthly NHTSA meeting preparation, and KUS Legal in-house and outside counsel.

4th Priority – 15% 

Develop sophisticated processes for evaluating data and identifying PSIs by utilizing new technologies and analytic tools. Assist in the continuous improvement and development of Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure (SDAI). Share new data analysis techniques with team.  

Education/Certification

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

Overall Experience

• 3-7 years of experience in technical positions such as Safety Analysis, Product Quality, or in a product engineering environment.  

Directly Related Experience

• Automotive, aerospace, or similar technical work experience required    
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis concepts and software.

Other Requirements:

• Schedule(s) may vary due to needs of the business including but not limited to working outside of normal business hours, travel, weekends and/or holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

Skills

Basic knowledge of SAS programing language and Structured Query Language (SQL).Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.Excellent teamwork skills.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Intermediate knowledge of automotive systems and components.Knowledge of PC software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.Knowledge of SAS Visual Analytics.Knowledge of statistics.

Competencies

CHALLENGE – Solving Complex ProblemsCOLLABORATION – Building and Supporting TeamsCUSTOMER – Serving CustomersGLOBALITY – Showing Community and Social ResponsibilityPEOPLE – Interacting with People at Different Levels

Pay Range

$69,547 – $93,113 

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.

Equal Employment Opportunities

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:  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.