Senior Manager, Forensic Investigations

Hyundai Motor America

$107K — $154K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in the automotive industry focusing on safety, design, testing, reliability, or similar areas.
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field is required; master's preferred.
  • 3+ years in a management role leading teams.
  • Strong expertise in automotive electrical systems and diagnostics.
  • Familiarity with EV/hybrid systems and failure analysis methods.
  • Knowledge of automotive safety regulations (FMVSS/NHTSA) is necessary.
  • Excellent data analysis skills for trend identification and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a forensic investigations team to address vehicle safety concerns.
  • Conduct root cause analysis using vehicle diagnostics, inspections, and lab testing.
  • Investigate issues related to EV systems, including batteries and electronic components.
  • Analyze field data to pinpoint safety risks and areas for improvement.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and legal teams to implement solutions.
  • Evaluate and validate fixes associated with recalls and service campaigns.
  • Prepare and present data-driven reports to leadership.

Benefits

  • Monthly vehicle lease allowance for Hyundai/Genesis cars, including maintenance and insurance.
  • Paid holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Years.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA contributions.
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching and an enhanced contribution program.
  • Generous vacation and sick leave.
  • Employer-funded basic life and disability coverage, plus Paid-Family Leave.
  • Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs.
  • Education reimbursement for higher education up to $5,250 annually.
Full Job Description
WORK MODEL

#LI-OnSite

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Hyundai Motor America is seeking a Senior Manager, Forensic Investigations to lead critical investigations into vehicle safety and quality issues - with a strong focus on electrical systems, EV architectures, and real-world defect analysis. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being the "detective" behind vehicle incidents - analyzing failures, identifying root causes, and driving solutions that improve vehicle safety and customer experience.

You will work hands-on with vehicles, components, and diagnostic data, while leading a team responsible for solving complex issues related to batteries, power electronics, charging systems, ADAS components, and vehicle safety technologies.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

  • Lead and mentor a team of forensic investigators to identify and resolve vehicle safety concerns and defectsConduct root cause analysis using:
    • Vehicle diagnostics (DTCs, ECU/ECM data, scan tools)
    • Field inspections and teardown analysis
    • Lab testing (CT scans, SEM, material analysis, etc.)


  • Investigate issues related to:
    • EV systems (high-voltage batteries, inverters, power conversion systems)
    • Battery controls, charging systems, and thermal management
    • Electronic components (reverse cameras, ADAS systems, control units)
    • Perform FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) and validation testing to understand failure mechanisms.


  • Analyze field data and trends to identify potential safety risks and improvement opportunities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, quality, legal, and suppliers to drive resolution.
  • Evaluate and validate fixes tied to recalls and service campaigns.
  • Support regulatory compliance (FMVSS, NHTSA) and provide technical expertise in investigations.
  • Prepare clear, data-driven reports and present findings to leadership.


WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

  • Eight or more years of experience in the automotive business, in areas such as vehicle safety, design, testing, field reliability evaluation, materials engineering, diagnostic laboratory, or service is preferred.
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent technical background.
  • Master's degree a plus.
  • Three or more years of experience in a first line people manager role.
  • Strong background in automotive electrical systems, diagnostics, and root cause analysis.
  • Knowledge of vehicle diagnostics (DTCs, ECU/ECM communication, scan tools).
  • Understanding of EV / hybrid systems, including batteries, controls, and high-voltage components.
  • Familiarity with failure analysis techniques (e.g., CT scan, SEM, materials analysis).
  • Ability to analyze data and trends to drive insights and solutions.
  • Knowledge of automotive safety regulations (FMVSS/NHTSA).
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills across engineering, quality, legal, and suppliers.


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: $107,800.00 - $154,000.00 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 industry action meetings and ongoing field investigations related to safety-defect data analysis and defect assessment activities.

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