Supplier Quality Engineer – Powertrain

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!

Our Supplier Quality team plays a vital role in ensuring that every sourced component meets Scout’s uncompromising standards of safety, reliability, and performance. 

 Role Summary 

The Supplier Quality Engineer – Powertrain is responsible for ensuring that all supplier-sourced powertrain components meet Scout Motors’ engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements. This includes managing supplier development, industrialization, and ongoing performance to enable flawless product launches and long-term production stability. 

The role’s initial focus will be the Range Extender Engine (REX) and related subsystems, with expanding responsibility across the broader powertrain domain—including transmission, cooling, exhaust, and mounting systems—as Scout Motors’ vehicle portfolio grows. 

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:

Supplier Industrialization & Readiness 

• Lead APQP and PPAP activities with suppliers for all powertrain components and subsystems. 
• Verify supplier process readiness through audits, run-at-rate, and process capability studies. 
• Ensure robust control plans, FMEAs, and process documentation are in place prior to SOP. 
• Partner with Engineering and Purchasing to ensure supplier selection aligns with Scout’s technical and quality expectations. 

Quality Planning & Risk Mitigation 

• Support early supplier engagement and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) reviews. 
• Assess supplier capability and maturity to identify and mitigate technical, process, and capacity risks. 
• Drive alignment of supplier quality deliverables with program milestones and Scout’s launch timing. 

Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement 

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for supplier-related issues. 
• Implement containment and corrective measures to protect manufacturing and maintain build schedules. 
• Track and report supplier performance metrics (PPM, on-time PPAP, audit results) and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Serve as the primary interface between suppliers and internal teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Program Management). 
• Support prototype, pre-series, and launch builds by ensuring supplier readiness and component quality. 
• Provide technical feedback on supplier manufacturing capability and process improvements. 

Technical Oversight of Powertrain Components 

• Focus on supplier quality for key powertrain systems, including: 
  • Range Extender Engine and subsystems (block, head, fuel, oil, exhaust, and cooling) 
  • Transmission and torque transfer components 
  • Thermal management and fluid systems (pumps, hoses, radiators) 
  • Engine and transmission mounting systems 
• Apply engineering expertise to ensure compliance with performance, durability, and regulatory requirements. 

Launch & Production Support 

• Ensure suppliers achieve flawless launch and sustained production quality. 
• Conduct supplier process audits (IATF 16949 / VDA 6.3) and confirm effective corrective actions. 
• Monitor supplier production performance and support proactive issue prevention during ramp-up. 

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% 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 degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field required. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Supplier Development within automotive or powertrain industries. 
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine systems, transmissions, cooling, and thermal management. 
• Proficiency in APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and structured problem-solving methodologies. 
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and validation requirements. 
• Proven ability to manage suppliers through complex program phases and multiple launch cycles. 
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills. 
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40%). Passport Required. Valid, unrestricted driver's license 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

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 Motors 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 Motors 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.