Senior Manager, Vehicle Safety Investigations

Senior Manager, Vehicle Safety Investigations

Date: May 18, 2026 Location: Fountain Valley, CA, US, 92708 Job Req ID: 3286

At Hyundai, we've rethought our business and created cars that combine performance, quality, design and innovation into a complete package. It's time you rethink what you expect from an employer. At Hyundai, we understand you're not just building a career – you're building a life. We believe in our people and realize that our success is a direct result of our commitment in offering you great opportunities for your career. If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for a chance to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Work Model: #LI-OnSite

What You Will Do

Manage team of engineers responsible for conducting extensive investigations that determine the probability of a Hyundai vehicle model containing a safety related defect and/or a possible noncompliance with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Lead technical investigations of assigned system responsibility.

How You Will Make An Impact

Lead and coordinate Hyundai cross-functional groups to identify, evaluate, and resolve vehicle safety issues, liaising with all involved internal teams. Develop and apply innovative analytical approaches to detect potential vehicle safety concerns. Monitor engineer-led analysis of consumer complaints, field reports, legal cases, supplier and dealer data, plant information, recalls, compliance testing, NHTSA VOQ data, and warranty outliers. Identify potential safety-related defects and FMVSS non-compliance issues affecting Hyundai production vehicles. Conduct timely, data-driven investigations into escalated technical issues, assessing severity, occurrence, root cause, population, detectability, and corrective actions. Track and manage assigned component issues throughout the complete field fix lifecycle and monitor field status. Perform and coordinate vehicle and parts investigations, including field inspections at dealerships or alternate locations as required. Maintain a high level of technical knowledge of Hyundai vehicles and automotive components to support safety investigations, leveraging internal expertise and direct access to upper management for critical issue escalation. Evaluate and validate field action repairs related to recall campaigns and other safety matters. Liaise with Hyundai design, manufacturing, and supplier affiliates to support issue resolution. Lead engineering reviews and resolution of vehicle safety-related claims. Participate in vehicle safety forums and technical conferences and disseminate learnings internally. Prepare concise executive presentations, provide field action recommendations, notify management of stop-sale or expedited actions, and communicate with NHTSA ODI investigators on investigations and recall matters.

What You Will Bring To The Role

Must have a bachelor's degree in engineering. Master's degree a plus but not required. Eight or more years of relevant work experience. Experience in conducting timely investigations into equipment failure modes and in gathering and analyzing statistical data. Five or more years of experience in the automotive business, including vehicle safety, design, testing, field reliability evaluation, and service is preferred. Automotive assembly plant or component manufacturing experience a plus. Results-driven with excellent project and program management skills. Ability to proactively collaborate with peers, vehicle component experts and leadership within the organization and creatively problem solve needed to complete investigations. Ability to concurrently manage a number of investigations in a timely manner. Ability to identify and utilize the corporation expertise related to the issue under investigation. Two to three years of supervisory experience desired. Thorough automotive technical knowledge required, including specialized knowledge of specific vehicle system or performance areas such as powertrain, chassis, electrical, crashworthiness, etc. Ability to read and comprehend federal regulations related to automotive safety. Ability to accurately analyze high-volume technical data. Ability to present investigation findings to all pertinent levels of the corporation. Aptitude to work well with and communicate clearly with members of various HMA and HMC legal, quality, engineering, testing, and service departments, and with NHTSA Investigators on identified issues of concern.

What Hyundai Can Offer You

Monthly Hyundai/Genesis vehicle lease allowance (including insurance and maintenance) Holiday Pay - the company shuts down with pay between Christmas and New Years. Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts 401(k) retirement plan with Employer Match Additional 401(K) Employer Enhanced Contribution program – eligible after 1 year of employment, in addition to the regular employer matching contribution Vacation and sick time off Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage, including Paid-Family Leave. Mental health, wellbeing, and employee assistance program Health advocate (support) Education Reimbursement program: Up to $5,250 per year for employees seeking higher education degrees. External Training and Development Programs Compensation Range: $114,800.00 - $164,000.00 annual base salary

What Happens Next: Express your interest by submitting an application. Once your application is received, our recruiting team will review your application to see if you meet the basic and preferred qualifications listed on the job description. For more information on our hiring process please visit our How We Hire page.

Other Details: Normal office duties. Must be able to travel to support periodic industry action meetings pertaining to safety-defect data analysis best practices. Must be able to travel to support ongoing field investigations related to ongoing defects assessment concerns. Our Company adheres to the equal employment opportunity guidelines set forth by federal, state and local laws. The information requested on this form is sought in good faith and will not be used to discriminate against the applicant based on race, religion or creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, marital status, sex or gender (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, or related circumstances), gender identity, gender expression, age, citizenship, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, military and veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.