Warranty & Technical Analyst

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Warranty & Technical Analyst is responsible for monitoring warranty performance and trends across Niterra's North American automotive product lines, analyzing complex warranty datasets, and driving corrective actions to reduce warranty rates. Based in Wixom, Michigan, this role involves conducting failure analysis and functional testing, collaborating with OEM and Quality Assurance teams, and serving as a primary technical contact for customer warranty reviews and negotiations. The ideal candidate brings strong automotive systems knowledge, self-directed analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate data-driven findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Classification: Salary, Exempt

Work Model: Hybrid

Responsibilities:

• Monitor warranty performance and trends across Niterra North American automotive product lines using customer warranty systems, claims data, and returned-product findings to recommend internal investigations and corrective actions.
• Integrate modern data tools and technology, including AI, to optimize database workflows and operational efficiency.
• Analyze complex warranty datasets to identify emerging technical trends, recurring product issues, and process concerns, organizing key findings to prepare reports and proposed resolutions.
• Compile technical evidence and failure analysis findings to help defend company positioning during OEM warranty liability and cost-sharing negotiations.
• Collaborate with OEM, Quality Assurance, and Technical Center teams to develop and implement strategies that reduce overall warranty rates and resolve specific warranty-related issues.
• Evaluate and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions through follow-up and monitoring.
• Support OEM customer requirements by preparing warranty analyses, reports, and presentations, while serving as a primary technical contact for customer queries and data reviews.
• Coordinate and perform warranty-return sorting, functional testing, and evaluation as necessary to support failure analysis; interpret findings and integrate return data with warranty trends to identify potential product, process, and quality issues.
• Travel for client meetings, field investigations, or specialized vehicle testing as required.
• Monitor warranty cost-recovery programs to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and recovery of applicable warranty expenses.
• Provide support for Technical Center activities and projects as directed.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to designated customers on warranty performance, trends, findings, and data-driven recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of warranty analyses, testing results, corrective actions, and related activities.
• Maintain availability to schedule and lead international meetings outside normal office hours when needed.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by Technical Center Management.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures as applicable.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive warranty data analysis, warranty repair operations, vehicle diagnostics, or engine component testing required.
• Working knowledge of automotive systems and components, with familiarity with engine components and repair processes.
• Extensive knowledge of automotive systems, specifically engine control components and systems.
• Proven ability to autonomously analyze data, draw actionable conclusions, and execute operational fixes without managerial oversight.
• Advanced, self-directed problem-solving skills with a track record of exercising solid independent judgment on matters of commercial significance.
• Basic proficiency with automotive testing and laboratory equipment.
• Strong collaborative skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to develop and deliver clear, concise presentations that communicate findings, trends, and data-driven insights to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace applications.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Associate's degree in automotive technology, quality assurance, business, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

This role requires driving and travel (including commercial travel), installing spark plugs, sensors, and components on test vehicles, lifting up to 50 lbs., and exposure to operational hazards in an automotive testing laboratory (e.g., electrical shock, cuts, burns, and abrasions), along with normal office and travel-related hazards.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.

California Privacy Notice:

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