Manager, Prototype and Pre-Series Vehicle Management

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. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the environment by developing electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. And respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

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:

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for the development, assembly, and test preparation of mule, prototype and pre-series vehicles
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, ensuring effective communication and knowledge sharing within the team
• Develop and implement project plans for prototype and pre-series vehicle programs, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation to ensure that the vehicles are delivered on schedule
• Coordinate the assembly and integration of prototype vehicles, maintaining a cross functional cooperation with all engineering teams as well as with the validation teams to ensure adherence to design specifications and quality standards
• Oversee the installation and testing of experimental components and systems on prototype vehicles
• Ensure thorough documentation of all prototype and pre-series vehicle activities, including build records, change or modification records as well as lessons learned
• Generate regular progress reports for senior management, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and proposed solutions
• Work closely with external suppliers and the purchasing department to ensure timely delivery of prototype components and materials
• Ensure the quality and reliability of the vehicles by implementing rigorous quality control processes and addressing any issues that arise during the vehicle build and testing
• Ensure that prototype and pre-series vehicles comply with all relevant safety and environmental regulations and standards including a camouflage concept that is accepted by the Group
• Identify potential risks and challenges in the vehicle build-ups and develop contingency plans to mitigate them
• Identify opportunities to improve the development process and implement best practices
• Develop and manage budgets for prototype and pre-series vehicle programs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with overall project goals and seek ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality and performance of the vehicles

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events 4-5 days/week. This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, MI. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel domestically and internationally to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

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 engineering, automotive engineering, electrical engineering or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in development, with a focus on prototypes within the automotive industry
• Several years of demonstrated progressive experience building and leading technical teams
• Proficiency in using testing equipment, data acquisition systems, and analysis software.
• Excellent project management abilities, including planning, execution, and resource management
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

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
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
  • A mobility stipend

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 = $150,000-$170,000

Internal leveling code: M8

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.