Manager, Project Quality

About Scout Motors

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 offering two powertrains: an all-electric option and the Harvester™ range extender powertrain with an estimated 500 miles of combined range. We empower talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate and shape the future of transportation.

About the Role

The Manager of Project Quality is responsible for executing and supporting the project quality strategy for assigned vehicle programs while ensuring adherence to established quality standards and governance processes. This role ensures that every product—from concept through end-of-production—meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. You will shape the quality culture, influence cross-functional decision-making, and drive organizational alignment around quality excellence.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Execute project quality objectives for assigned vehicle programs and support the implementation of enterprise quality strategies. Implement established quality targets, KPIs, and maturity milestones and monitor performance against approved standards. Define, implement, and continuously improve project quality processes in partnership with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, and other Quality functions.
• Program Quality Execution: Manage all quality-relevant activities within the product management organization from early development through SOP and end-of-production. Oversee the creation and execution of preventive quality plans, ensuring robust design, process capability, and risk mitigation. Apply and continuously improve established maturity management processes. Ensure program adherence to quality gates, manage escalations, and drive resolution of deviations in partnership with program leadership. Direct and coordinate the final whole-vehicle approval for serial production readiness.
• Cross-Functional Influence & Issue Resolution: Lead interdisciplinary task forces to address critical program risks, systemic issues, and launch-blocking concerns. Champion cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless integration of quality requirements across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and product teams.
• People Leadership: Lead and develop a team of project quality professionals, providing mentorship, coaching, and capability development. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving.

Location & Travel

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, along with occasional travel to participate in company events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Vehicle Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of automotive engineering or product quality experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles within an OEM or Tier 1 environment.
• Deep technical understanding of vehicle development and manufacturing, with expertise across body, electrical, chassis, propulsion, battery systems, infotainment, and connectivity.
• Strong vehicle assessment skills and a holistic understanding of complete vehicle behavior.
• Demonstrated success leading complex automotive programs and navigating cross-functional environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills.
• High-level assertiveness, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong orientation toward results and customer satisfaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certification or AIAG/VDA methodology experience.
• Experience establishing or scaling quality systems in a new or rapidly evolving organization.

Benefits

• Insurance: Competitive medical, dental, vision, and income protection plans.
• 401(k) Program: Employer match with immediate vesting.
• Paid Time Off:
  • 20 days of 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.
• Corporate Vehicle Program: Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle and a mobility stipend.

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for a base salary and participation in an annual performance bonus program. The final salary offered will be determined based on skills and experience. The initial base salary range is $120,000.00 - $145,000.00.