About the teamThe Body Systems Team within Scout includes Body Structures, Closures, Ladder Frame, Interior and Exterior Trim, Lighting, Accessories, and Safety. This role is specifically assigned to the Body Structures team.
The Top Hat Structures Engineer will be responsible for leading the development of the Body Side and Roof structure to ensure that it meets industry standards, regulatory requirements, and performance expectations established for the vehicle, and has performance that is equal to the competition. The engineer will collaborate with studio personnel, engineering from R&D and Production, suppliers, and the quality team to develop the design and resolve issues related to the execution of the styling, manufacturing process, and to system performance targets and requirements. This role will involve the creation of part data and the benchmarking of the competitive set.
What you'll doBecome part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:
- Own the sheet metal design, integration, validation, and release of body side and roof structure stampings and assemblies from concept through launch, ensuring innovative and optimized solutions for Scout trucks.
- Set the technical approach and drive cross-functional tradeoff decisions so parts and assemblies meet cost, weight, quality, timing, manufacturability, and vehicle performance targets at all design milestones.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of sections, components, interfaces, and subsystems; evaluate variable factors and adapt methods and criteria to resolve complex structural issues and improve overall vehicle efficiency.
- Develop and direct CAD studies for design alternatives and production development, using engineering judgment to recommend technically sound solutions.
- Guide collaborative design and simulation activities for new body-system concepts related to vehicle handling, safety, durability, manufacturability, and the overall driving experience; translate results into design requirements and decisions.
- Own virtual and physical verification planning for the assigned structure scope, including prototype and field testing; evaluate results, identify risks, and drive corrective actions to closure.
- Proactively assess consumer, competitive, manufacturing, and field insights and recommend system improvements with clear technical rationale and impact analysis.
- Lead technical coordination with supplier partners, establish deliverable and validation expectations, assess complex supplier issues, and drive sustainable resolution without direct authority.
- Serve as a senior technical advisor within the Body Structures team, frequently advising partners across Studio, CAE, Safety, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers on complex matters and design tradeoffs
Location & Travel Expectations:
- This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
- This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
- Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
What you'll bringWe expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You'll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You'll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in automotive body structures, including design, validation, and launch, with demonstrated ownership of complex sheet metal systems or subsystems.
- Skilled in utilizing CATIA for designing and developing detailed parts.
- Deep technical expertise in sheet metal design and joining methods, coupled with a first-principles approach to solving complex, multi-variable engineering problems.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply CAE results to structural design decisions, validation strategy, and issue resolution.
- Demonstrated ability to build networks with key contacts outside the immediate area of expertise and advise stakeholders on complex technical matters.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, including Studio, CAE, Safety, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers, and drive decisions to closure without direct authority.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., MATLAB, Minitab, Excel).
- Demonstrated ability to select and adapt engineering methods, solve ambiguous technical issues creatively and effectively, and provide decision-ready recommendations.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Work Environment:- Collaboration with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
- Potential travel to suppliers or manufacturing facilities for material assessments.
What you'll gainThe benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting - with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:
- Competitive insurance including:
- Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
- 401(k) program with:
- An employer match and immediate vesting
- Generous Paid Time Off including:
- 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
- 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
- Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
- Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
Pay TransparencyThis is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.
Initial base salary range = $130,000.00 - $160,000.00
Internal leveling code: IC8
Notice to applicants:- To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
- Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
- Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.