Job Description

Are you looking to join a growing organization with a great brand reputation? Winnebago Industries is seeking a Lead Product Safety Investigator to join our team. This role can be located at either our Eden Prairie, MN or Middlebury, IN location and is hybrid. The Lead Product Safety Investigator leads investigations into potential safety defects and noncompliance’s in our recreational vehicles. The role guides investigators at our four RV business units and gives findings and recommendations to senior safety committees. It also owns the processes that detect and escalate safety issues across the company as Winnebago Industries has zero tolerance for product safety risk.

Day to Day of the Role: 

• Lead complex, high-risk safety defect investigations from first signal through closure.
• Make defect assessments under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Under the Act, “defect” includes “any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.”1
• Assess potential noncompliance with FMVSS and CMVSS, and work with engineering to confirm compliance test results.
• Investigate potential nonconformances with NFPA 1192, Standard on Recreational Vehicles, and NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), Article 551. NFPA 1192 covers fuel systems, fire and life safety, plumbing, and vehicular requirements. NEC Article 551 covers 120V/240V electrical systems in RVs.2
• Build the investigation record that supports 49 CFR Part 573 defect and noncompliance determinations and reports. This includes defect descriptions, affected populations, chronologies, and the root cause basis for the remedy.3
• Lead and coach investigators at our RV business units who report to this role indirectly. Set standards for investigation quality, documentation, and timeliness.
• Direct data analytics in Power BI and similar tools to find emerging trends, size affected populations, and measure risk.
• Lead root cause analysis using 8D and 5-Why, and review business unit investigations for rigor.
• Support Brand Action Committee decisions and Product Safety Committee discussions with analysis and recommendations.
• Present investigation status, findings, and risk assessments to the Vehicle Safety Committee.
• Drive permanent corrective actions to closure and verify
• Define, document, and improve processes for detecting and escalating issues across warranty, customer relations, quality, legal, and regulatory compliance.
• Take part in and support RVIA technical subcommittees.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years in product safety, quality, or field investigation in automotive, RV, heavy truck, or a similar regulated industry
• Deep knowledge of the Safety Act, FMVSS, and NHTSA defect and recall processes, including Part 573 defect investigations and reporting
• Working knowledge of NFPA 1192 and NEC Article 551
• Expert use of 8D and 5-Why root cause methods
• Advanced skill with Power BI or similar analytics tools
• Proven ability to present technical findings to senior leaders
• Proven ability to lead and influence people who do not report to you directly

Preferred:

• Experience with RVIA standards, inspections, and technical committees, and with CMVSS
• Familiarity with the ANSI/RVIA DC Voltage Systems standard
• ASQ certification (CQE or CRE) or Six Sigma Black Belt
• Experience supporting regulatory inquiries or litigation

This posting includes a range of the salary across a geographical market. The base pay for this position ranges from $130,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $150,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Dependent on the position other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.winnebagoind.com/careers/total-rewards.