Program Development Engineer​/Senior Program Development Engineer

Position: Program Development Engineer / Senior Program Development 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 Product Quality department’s Forward Model group represents the voice of the North American customer in new Kia models, collaborating with global Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) affiliates to ensure regional expectations are built into every new Kia product from concept to launch.

The Program Development Engineer (PDE) leads the technical development of new Kia products by communicating regional Voice of Customer (VoC) objectives with development teams. This role provides engineering oversight for assigned model lines, guiding projects from concept through major development gates, including clay model reviews, master car evaluations, prototypes, and pilot stages. The PDE sets and tracks performance objectives based on regional product strategy and engages cross‑functional engineering teams to define system and component performance targets, adjust strategy, and report status to regional leadership.

As a Subject Matter Expert, the PDE plays a key role in shaping Kia NA’s future products and must demonstrate deep technical expertise across existing vehicle systems (dynamics, NVH, powertrain and HVAC) and emerging vehicle technologies (ADAS, Advanced Powertrain, EV, Hybrid Systems, and Alternative Fuel Systems).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Priority One – 40% of Time

• Manage the engineering and technical progress of assigned vehicle models, including scheduling, reporting, and follow up of all open items. Develop products aligned with regional VoC technical strategy to ensure new products meet customer expectations. Provide clear direction and collaborate closely with R&D and Quality teams to achieve key milestones and ensure effective technical engineering support.

Priority Two – 20% of Time

• Manage the definition, evaluation, and validation process of new technologies introduced to assigned vehicle platforms, such as electronics and ADAS features. Ensure new technology is consistent with North American market expectations and support other technical and business teams as needed.

Priority Three – 20% of Time

• Facilitate information exchange between HMG development teams and Kia NA to ensure accurate communication of product expectations and share information and collaborate with other Kia NA teams to ensure vehicle performance and attributes are consistent with product vision.

Priority Four – 10% of Time

• Manage product launch process with PR, Regional Strategy, and Marketing teams. Manage all assigned media vehicle preparation requests, including tier 1 media, NPI events, BIS support with 3rd‑party testing, and other relevant projects.

Priority Five – 5% of Time

• Provide support for special projects, documentation reviews, and other technical assignments as needed

Priority Six – 5% of Time

• Participate in training initiatives and complete required administrative responsibilities.

This list of essential responsibilities and duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary by management.

Qualifications / Education Education

• BS Mechanical / Electrical / Automotive Engineering degree or BS Computer Science degree from an accredited institution required.

Qualifications

• Engineer:
  Minimum 2 years’ experience in relevant automotive development or planning…