Engineer, Supplier Quality - Battery Systems & High-Voltage Components

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Support supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques, and quality control processes from advanced development through mass production using APQP and VDA quality management processes.
• Ensure all quality, performance, and functional standards are met in the supply chain to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Provide leadership at suppliers to ensure Scout’s quality expectations are met; escalate risks and concerns as needed.
• Drive proactive and reactive containment activities at suppliers.
• Review and participate in the approval of boundary samples, appearance catalogs, and related materials.
• Ensure effective change management for product architecture requests.
• Manage supplier PPAPs and ongoing quality activities from development to series production.
• Partner with the Supply Chain team to escalate issues and drive timely resolution.
• Lead supplier improvements in cost, quality, and manufacturability.
• Facilitate alignment of technical requirements between suppliers and Scout’s Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams.
• Conduct supplier audits and manage corrective actions to ensure supplier performance, delivery, and reliability expectations are met.
• Collaborate with Design, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to define performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing process development and launch readiness for new products and design changes.
• Drive continuous improvement activities using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Ensure suppliers have robust processes for mass industrialization and seamless production of high-quality products.
• Validate supplier corrective actions for design/process changes and apply read-across methodology to similar lines or suppliers.
• Support evaluation of new or alternative materials that improve robustness, manufacturability, quality, or cost.
• Participate in supplier reviews, including new supplier onboarding and design-for-manufacturability assessments.
• Guide suppliers in applying best manufacturing practices, testing, gauging, poke-yokes, and correct assembly equipment.
• Drive quality improvements with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to meet or exceed KPIs.
• Lead or support root cause analysis and rapid response to ensure Scout’s vehicle quality standards are upheld.
• Act as a professional representative of Scout when working with suppliers.
• Support mitigation of warranty claims and drive closure with suppliers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across Scout departments.
• Support NCR resolution and related quality documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina
• The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance in office with in-person meetings and events regularly. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel required, approximately 40 - 70% of the time. Valid driver's license required. Passport required

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Vehicle Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality with focus on HV battery systems, cooling systems, energy conversion, and HV harnessing.
• Strong knowledge of battery performance: energy content, charge/discharge performance, lifecycle, and thermal behavior.
• Technical expertise in vehicle development, production, and supply chain management.
• Hands-on experience with vehicle assembly and functional quality assurance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid knowledge of quality management methodologies and systems.
• Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, VDA processes, and GD&T inspection.
• VDA Auditing experience preferred.
• Understanding of safety standards, IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements.
• Certification in AIAG Core Tools: MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP.
• Proven ability to lead supplier activities at the management level and ensure alignment with customer requirements.
• Strong project management skills with results-driven execution.
• Proficiency in SPC, data analysis, and technical writing, with the ability to simplify complex issues.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required, approximately 40 - 70% of the time. 
• Valid driver's license required.
• Passport required

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• 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 = $95,000.00 - $120,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9