Manager, Product Quality Engineering – Trim, Closures, Sealing, BSE, HVAC

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:

The Product Quality Engineering Manager oversees the quality performance and continuous improvement of vehicles systems related to Trim, Closures, Sealing, Body Systems Engineering (BSE), and HVAC.

This role ensures adherence to quality standards throughout the project/product lifecycle, from new projects, plant issues, audit deviations, and customer & field concerns. The manager leads a team of engineers and collaborated cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supplier quality teams to ensure mitigation or elimination of negative impacts to the production plant in a data-driven approach. 

• Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of product quality engineers focusing on Trim, Closures, Sealing, BSE, and HVAC systems. 
  • Drive accountability and performance within the team to meet organizational quality objectives. 
• Quality Management Systems (QMS) 
  • Support the implementation and maintain QMS processes to comply with industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001). 
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive quality improvements. 
• Project/Product Development Support 
  • Collaborate with design, R&D, and Manufacturing teams to ensure quality is built into the product throughout the development stage and beyond. 
  • Support design reviews, DFMEA, PFEMA, and validation testing to identify and mitigate potential quality issues. 
• Production and Supplier Quality 
  • Oversees quality standards in production processes for Trim, Closures, Sealing, BSE, and HVAC components. 
  • Collaborate with Production and Supplier Quality to establish and maintain quality standards, addressing non-conformance issues effectively. 
• Customer Focus
  • Monitor customer feedback, warranty claims, and field data to identify trends and address quality concerns. 
  • Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for issues impacting overall quality, customer satisfaction, and brand image. 
• Process Improvement
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and minimize defects. 
  • Utilize problem solving tools like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Shainin Red X, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to improve processes. 
• Compliance and Standards 
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards for automotive systems. 
  • Keep up to date with new technological advancements in industry and implement best practices.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Blythewood, South Carolina.
• 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. 
• Travel: 20-40% of the time. International travel may be 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 degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field (Master’s Degree preferred).  
• 8+ years of experience in product quality engineering within the automotive industry. 
• Ability to travel 20-40% of the time, domestically and internationally. Passport required. 
• At least 5 years' experience in a managerial or leadership role. 
• Expertise in systems related to Trim, Closures, Sealing, BSE, and HVAC is highly desirable. 
• Excellent operations experience and strong understanding of the vehicle assembly/functionality as a whole. 
• Proficiency in quality tools and techniques, including root cause analysis, 8D, Shainin Red X, and Six Sigma methodologies. 
• Excellent communication, leadership, team building skills. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Data-Driven Mindset 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with great flexibility. 
• Commitment to driving excellence and innovation in plant technical engineering quality. 
• Manufacturing Plant-based with potential travel to off-site locations when necessary or required. 
• May require extended hours during critical phases for issue resolution. 
• VDA Auditing experience preferred. 
• Understanding of safety requirements 
• Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements. 
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high level of assertiveness as well as entrepreneurial thinking and goal/results-oriented decision-making. 

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 = $130,000 - $150,000

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.