Engineer, Body Systems Engineering Team – Body Metals Team

About Scout Motors

We're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history—a brand dating back to 1960 that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks. Scout is more than just a brand; it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. We respect the past and the future by electrifying and digitizing an iconic American brand, loading it with innovation, and creating vehicles that are equally at home at a campsite, job site, or on a Tuesday commute. Our vehicles feature two powertrains: an all-electric option and the Harvester™ range extender powertrain, which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. Our employees are visionaries and leaders who seek new paths, collaborate across the company, and deliver with unrivaled passion. Join us to shape the future of transportation.

About the Role

As a Body Systems Engineer Team Leader (SET-Leader) for the Body Metal Team, you will lead the "cradle to grave" approach to design and development. This includes creating concept designs for novel solutions, leading analysis of concepts and final products, testing, launch activities, and collaborating with studio, manufacturing, and purchasing teams. You will guide teams toward deliverable goals and ensure the efficient integration of your scope into the vehicle, meeting technical, cost, timing, and quality targets.

SET-Leaders are assigned to a Body Systems Engineering Team for future product development and have a matrix relationship with Technical Program Leaders (TPL) in Research & Development. You will work cross-functionally with Design Release Engineers (DRE), Purchasing, Finance, Manufacturing, Quality, and Logistics to manage activities and ensure compliance with target specifications for Exterior components (Bumpers, Lighting, Trim, Glazing, IP, Console, Seats, and Restraints).

Responsibilities

• Lead technical decision-making and approve technical solutions for assigned body metal subsystem scope.
• Ensure timely documentation for the forward sourcing plan (spec books, Quotation Details, etc.).
• Create and agree on timing progression for parts/systems to meet MRD deliverables cross-functionally.
• Track and ensure changes needed for technical evaluation and issue resolutions.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the project timeline.
• Own assigned body metal subsystem development activities from concept through production launch, including technical performance, cost, quality, and timing deliverables.
• Independently manage technical issues, trade-off decisions, and cross-functional activities within assigned system scope.
• Serve as the primary engineering owner for assigned body metal systems and drive issue resolution through production release.

Location & Travel Expectations

This role is based at Scout Motors' corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC, and requires 4-5 days per week in the office. Regular in-person meetings and events are expected. Some travel to the manufacturing site in Columbia, SC, and the Innovation Center in Novi, Michigan, will be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline (Master’s degree and significant experience is a plus).
• 5+ years of experience in Body engineering development or equivalent industry experience.
• Knowledge of VW Group tools and processes is a plus.
• Understanding of product requirements and features to deliver a world-class customer experience.
• Strong grasp of 1st principal physics of a system—loads, forces, and overall function—and tradeoffs among design, package, function, and customer experience.
• Ability to self-direct, manage issues to closure, and adapt quickly to program changes.
• Strong desire to create unique methods for analysis using available tools.
• CAD design experience for closures systems or related vehicle components (Catia V5 and/or 3DX experience preferred but not required).
• Advanced use of tools for analyzing structural performance, motion forces, kinematic performance, and manufacturing options with rapid iterations.
• Knowledge of automotive design and development processes, system requirements, and general engineering best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of integrity.
• Ability to deliver under pressure and manage component design within cost, weight, and timing constraints.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required.

What You’ll Gain

The opportunity to build products and a company from the ground up, creating something new and lasting with an iconic brand at its foundation. Scout offers competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

Benefits

• Competitive insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, and income protection.
• 401(k) program with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Generous Paid Time Off:
  • 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 bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave.

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for a base salary and participation in an annual performance bonus program. The initial base salary range is $110,000.00 - $135,000.00, with the final offer determined based on skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate-dependent.