Plastics Material Engineer

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 exploration, caretaking, and hard work. We’re revitalizing this iconic American brand by electrifying it, digitizing it, and infusing it with innovation while respecting its past and future. Our vehicles are designed for respect—for communities, for work and play, and for our customers—offering two powertrains: an all-electric option and the Harvester™ range extender with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

At Scout Motors, we empower talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. Our employees are visionaries, leaders, and doers who collaborate to build better. If you're ready to drive change and make history, join us.

Responsibilities

• Develop and source materials for new products, ensuring innovative and optimized solutions for Scout trucks and SUVs.
• Participate in collaborative design and material planning to enhance interior styling vision.
• Proactively assess consumer experience and propose system improvements.
• Lead new material development testing and ensure alignment with Scout Motors' quality and manufacturing standards.
• Assess surrogate data to predict risks for new materials.
• Manage resources efficiently, including infrastructure, financials, supplier partners, and people.
• Serve as a key decision-maker within the technical leadership team and liaise across all Scout functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in material engineering, chemical engineering, or an equivalent engineering degree from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5-8+ years of experience in material engineering and relevant automotive assignments, including all three phases of product development (design, test, and launch).
• Strong technical skills and expertise in plastics engineering for vehicle interiors and exteriors, with a first-principles approach to problem-solving.
• Strong technical skills and expertise in A-surface materials, including leather, artificial leathers, fabric, carpet, paint, films, MIC, and veneers.
• Familiarity with the local material supply chain.
• Ability to manage timelines for delivering new materials on a production schedule.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across all organizational levels.
• Collaborative mindset to work across departments, including engineering, design, and purchasing teams.
• Strong communication skills.
• Integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and a growth mindset.
• Comfort with change and flexibility in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Location & Travel Expectations

This role is based at Scout Motors' Novi, Michigan location, with a transition to Charlotte, North Carolina. The role requires 4 days of in-office attendance for meetings and events. Applicants should expect occasional travel to participate in company events.

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 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.

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for a base salary and participation in an annual performance bonus program. The final salary will be determined based on skills and experience. The initial base salary range is $110,000–$135,000. For California residents, the initial base salary range is $121,000–$148,500.

Internal leveling code: IC9