Engineer, Supplier Quality - Airbags / Safety Restraints

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history—a vehicle 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.

About the role

Become part of an iconic brand set to revolutionize the electric pickup truck and rugged SUV marketplace. In this role, you will support supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques, and quality control processes from the advanced development phase to mass production using APQP and VDA quality management processes.

Responsibilities

• Support all quality performance and functional standards to ensure vehicle activities in the supply chain meet customer satisfaction.
• Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to meet Scout Quality expectations and industrialization milestones.
• Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at suppliers.
• Review and participate in the approval of boundary samples, appearance catalogs, and other quality documentation.
• Ensure change management is identified and executed properly, including product architecture requests.
• Oversee Supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities within the supply chain from development to series production.
• Partner with the supply chain to escalate and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Support and coordinate supplier improvement activities related to cost, quality, and manufacturability using established tools and processes.
• Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between suppliers and Scout teams (Purchasing, Quality, Design) to ensure transparency and communication.
• Conduct supplier audits and corrective actions to ensure part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations are met.
• Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to determine performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness, and design-change readiness; escalate risks and gaps through defined review points.
• Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Ensure suppliers have robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization and high-quality production.
• Validate supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes using read-across methodology for similar manufacturing lines or suppliers.
• Facilitate the adoption of new or alternative materials to improve design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
• Participate in supplier reviews, including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews.
• Support suppliers in efficient use of best manufacturing methods, testing, gauging, poka-yokes, and assembly equipment.
• Drive quality improvements with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to meet and exceed Quality KPIs.
• Support planning, execution, and evaluation of root cause analysis to ensure high quality of Scout production vehicles through fast response methodologies.
• Participate in and help drive execution of Scout Quality expectations to support KPI achievement.
• Act with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier.
• Mitigate warranty claims with suppliers to drive closure and resolution of issues with cross-functional teams.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments within Scout.
• Support NCR resolution and perform other duties as assigned.

Location & Travel Expectations

• This role is based at the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina.
• Requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
• Domestic and international travel required, approximately 40-70% of the time.
• Valid driver’s license and passport required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Vehicle Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in Automotive Electronics/Electrical Engineering/Product Quality in a Supplier Quality role, specifically dealing with Airbags, Automotive Occupant Safety Systems, and Safety Restraint Technology.
• Understanding of customer requirements and safety regulations for Automotive Passive Safety Systems (e.g., Airbag and Seatbelt systems) to meet safety regulations such as FMVSS (208, 214, and 226).
• Knowledge of safety requirements, research, and testing on vehicle parts to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Technical understanding and specialist knowledge of vehicle development, production, and supply chain management.
• Operations experience and understanding of vehicle assembly and functionality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound knowledge of quality management and methodologies, including PPAP/APQP/VDA processes.
• In-depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection.
• VDA Auditing experience preferred.
• Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements.
• Certification in AIAG Core Tools: MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP.
• Ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional partners through clear communication, technical credibility, and structured issue resolution.
• Proven ability to coordinate supplier activities and communicate effectively to meet customer requirements and quality expectations.
• Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
• Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis, with the ability to explain complex issues concisely.

Benefits

• Competitive insurance including medical, dental, vision, and income protection plans.
• 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 $95,000.00 - $120,000.00.