Engineer, Product Quality – Interior

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:

Product Quality Engineer - Interiors is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and compliance of interior components and systems in the vehicle. Their role focuses on defect prevention, continuous improvement, and collaboration with production teams and suppliers to maintain high standards while meeting customer expectations, regulatory standards, and internal quality goals 

This role combines technical expertise with a proactive, data-driven approach to quality, ensuring that automotive interiors meet both performance and aesthetic demands:  

• Quality Assurance
  • Develop and implement quality control processes for automotive interior components (e.g., dashboards, seats, trims, etc.). 
• Issue Resolution
  • Investigate and resolve quality issues, including customer complaints and non-conformance reports (NCRs). 
  • Use root cause analysis (RCA) techniques like 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagrams. 
• Testing and Validation
  • Conduct inspections and testing on materials and finished products (e.g., durability, wear, and finish tests). 
  • Approve first article inspections (FAIs) and new product validations. 
• Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). 
  • Drive process improvements using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Shainin Red X principles. 
• Customer Interaction
  • Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements (CSRs) and automotive standards like IATF 16949. 
• Documentation
  • Maintain quality documentation, including control plans, PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis). 
  • Track quality metrics such as scrap rates, defect rates, and warranty data. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Blythewood, SC.
• The responsibilities of this role require attendance at 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 20-40% of the time.
• Travel: Potential international travel, and a 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: 

• Education: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering or a related field. 
  • Certifications like CQE (Certified Quality Engineer), Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or Shainin Red X Green/Black Belt are a plus. 

• Experience: 
  • 3-5 years in product quality engineering, preferably in the automotive industry. 
  • Familiarity with standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, or VDA 6.3. 

Key Skills 

• Technical Proficiency: Understanding of automotive interior materials (e.g., plastics, leather, fabric). 

• Soft Skills: 
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking. 
  • Excellent communication for cross-departmental collaboration. 
  • Strong project management and organizational skills. 

• Quality Tools: Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, SPC, and MSA. 
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills for RCA and CAPA. 
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication with cross-functional teams and customers. 
• Project Management: Ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. 
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring compliance with tight specifications and standards. 

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 = $130,000 - $140,000

Internal leveling code: IC8

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.