Specialist, Engineer – Seats

About the role

At Scout Motors, you don't just design vehicles- you shape the future of the road. Our Engineering team is where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, building machines that are as durable and capable as the people who drive them.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the design release of interior seats components, assemblies and their integration into the vehicle. This includes system sourcing, packaging, drawing release, design validation, sub-system integration, ramp-up, and manufacturing support
• Collaborate closely with the design studio and other engineering teams to develop optimal packages for interior styling
• Work closely with the CAE team to provide design inputs and utilize CAE results to optimize the component design and performance
• Use CAD software to package components efficiently and robustly, optimizing for cost, weight, and commercial targets
• Apply program management skills to ensure suppliers meet timing, quality, cost, and validation deliverables, serving as the main point of contact for all supplier interfaces
• Ensure that failure avoidance tools and processes (DFMEA and PFMEA) are applied to all components/assemblies
• Develop and manage the validation plan and test labs ensuring all components and sub-systems meet necessary performance requirements and regulations
• Oversee supplier component DVP and control system level testing to ensure desired performance is achieved
• Analyze test results and identify necessary adjustments to the components/assemblies or interfacing components to achieve the most effective resolution
• Review and approve technical content of related changes throughout the development process
• Act as coach and mentor for the interior engineering group for design expertise and knowledge through educational training and hands-on instructions

Requirements

• Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or similar engineering degree from an ABET accredited university.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive seating development, including design release, launch, and production support
• Strong background in product design, engineering analysis, and development

Qualifications

• Lead the development and release of complete seat systems and components across all phases of vehicle programs
• Own and manage program deliverables including timing plans, engineering documentation, and bill of materials (BOM)
• Track and drive achievement of mass, cost, quality, and timing targets
• Support vehicle launches and ongoing production, including issue resolution and continuous improvement
• Apply strong design, analysis, and validation practices to deliver robust seating systems
• Lead development and execution of DVP&R and ensure compliance with design requirements
• Utilize DFMEA/PFMEA and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies to drive proactive quality
• Support and guide engineering decisions related to materials, manufacturing processes, and system design
• Recognize innovation and protect Scout intellectual property through patents, trade secrets, and defensive publications as needed
• Lead integration of seating systems into overall vehicle architecture
• Define and manage system interfaces, working cross-functionally with vehicle engineering, safety, electrical, manufacturing, and suppliers
• Collaborate closely with studio and design to translate styling intent into feasible engineering solutions
• Support benchmarking activities and incorporate competitive insights into design strategies
• Ensure design solutions are aligned with manufacturing feasibility and process capability
• Support development and validation of manufacturing processes including:
  • Metal forming (stamping, bending)
  • Polymer processes (injection molding, thermoforming)
  • Foam manufacturing
  • Joining processes (welding, bonding, fastening)
• Quality, Validation & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements including FMVSS, CMVSS, and ECE
• Lead root cause analysis and issue resolution using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Shainin Red X, Kepner-Tregoe)
• Support part capability studies and statistical analysis to ensure robust production performance

Skills

• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6, Teamcenter, and Teamcenter Visualization Mockup
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • DFMEA/PFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, APQP, and automotive development processes
  • Part capability studies, statistical analysis, and FEA
• Knowledge of automotive electrical and electronic systems as applied to seating
• Understanding of materials (metals, polymers, textiles) and their application in seating systems
• Experience with seat structures, mechanisms (manual and power), and system-level design

Benefits

• 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 Transparency
  • This 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 = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00
  • Internal leveling code: IC9