Sr. / Pre-Delivery Quality 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 paid time off. 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 

General Summary

The Pre Delivery Quality Engineer (PQE) ensures Kia vehicles meet the highest quality standards before delivery to customers. This role investigates technical concerns at Ports of Entry (POE), Vehicle Processing Centers (VPC), and manufacturing plants (Kia Georgia, Kia Mexico, Hyundai Mega Georgia Plant(HMGMA), providing hands-on support and cross-functional collaboration with Port, Factory, and Quality teams.

The PQE oversees adherence to Kia America’s Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) processes, conducts audits, and leads investigations into vehicle quality issues. The position also supports process alignment, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement across North America.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 40%

• Provide on-site leadership to represent the Voice of the Customer, including early identification, root cause analysis, and resolution of quality concerns.
• Conduct quality investigations and analysis through vehicle/parts inspections, data analysis, and technical reporting.
• Prepare and submit Quality Information Reports (QIR) and VPC/POD Audit Reports to Kia America (KA) and Kia Headquarters (KHQ).

2nd Priority - 30%

• Conduct Pre-Delivery Quality (PDQ) audits across Ports and VPCs.
• Assess and manage port process effectiveness to ensure defect-free vehicle delivery.

3rd Priority - 10%

• Coordinate visits from KUS, KHQ, and KMX teams to Ports, VPCs, and dealerships.
• Support required audits and field activities.

4th Priority - 10%

• Maintain and update Port/VPC quality bulletins. Coordinate Port/VPC training activities to support accessory installation and related programs.

5th Priority - 10%

• Monitor and confirm countermeasure incorporation and effectiveness; escalate issues as necessary.
• Track issues, ensure timely follow-up, and serve as on-site liaison for the KA Product Quality (PQ) Team.
• Support ad-hoc quality evaluations as needed.

Personally Performed Duties

Technical Reporting & Communication
Prepare and deliver technical and quality reports (e.g., QIRs, audit findings) documenting issue impact, root cause, and resolution. Communicate findings, status, and recommendations to Kia Headquarters, Kia Mexico, NAQC, and internal stakeholders, while maintaining documentation and timelines.
Investigations & Quality Improvement
Lead and support quality investigations involving suppliers, plant resolution teams, and task forces. Leverage early warning systems, quality metrics, and Voice of the Customer data to identify issues, implement corrective actions, and escalate design-related concerns. Validate issues through dealership, port, VPC, and plant visits, including “Go and See” activities.
Audits & Inspections
Perform and support PDQ, POD, POE, port process, transit damage, and accessory installation audits. Review and validate audits conducted by vendors (e.g., Glovis), oversee Port Maintenance Programs, and assess load lane, aging vehicle, and installation quality to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Containment & Corrective Action
Confirm countermeasure implementation and effectiveness, administer containment requests, maintain warranty part samples, and ensure timely follow-up and escalation as needed.
Training, Dealer & Field Support
Coordinate Port/VPC training and maintain quality bulletins. Support dealer and field activities including PDI reviews, ride