Specialist, Launch Engineer - Battery

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 trucks 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 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. 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. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

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!

Overview

As a launch Specialist for battery at Scout Motors, you play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless launch of our vehicles, specifically focusing on battery assembly related activities. Your responsibilities encompass a diverse range of technical and managerial tasks, contributing significantly to the success of the launch phase. Here's an overview of your key responsibilities:

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:

Technical Launch Support:

• Represent and advance the technical capabilities of the battery at the manufacturing and at the assembly and coordination during the launch phase.
• Actively participate in committees and meetings to contribute insights and ensure alignment with launch objectives towards battery assembly readiness.

Information Management:

• Collect, summarize, and disseminate related information to relevant teams for effective decision-making.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation of technical data related to battery management at supplier and in-house in-coordination with production team.
• Responsibility for building and leading interdisciplinary organizations for the ramp-up phases (incl. RASI (Responsible, Accountable, Support, Information) chart).

Timeline and Budget Monitoring:

• Monitor launch activities deadlines, tools and equipment readiness, build timeline, build issues, production line readiness and budget for battery management, initiating escalation in case of overruns or issues.
• Collaborate with finance teams to assess financial implications and ensure cost-effective launch strategies.

Collaboration:

• Coordinate measures with project-specific specialist departments, battery supplier and their interface both at manufacturing and at assembly site to ensure a seamless launch.
• Follow up on the implementation of measures, assessing their effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with launch goals.

Knowledge Representation:

• Know, represent, and implement the interests of battery manufacturing in the technical departments, with a specific focus on battery management.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer sessions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing and assembly of battery processes.

Financial Expertise:

• Understand financial key figures in the project, their influencing factors, and monitor compliance, particularly related to battery assembly.
• Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and presentations for review and decision-making.

Deadline Management:

• Recognize missed deadlines, demand action via escalation, and define corrective measures in collaboration with assembly shop team and other relevant areas.
• Develop and maintain a detailed timeline for battery assembly, ensuring alignment with overall project schedules.

Start-Up Organization:

• Establish a start-up organization for battery assembly, selecting key personnel and managing early-phase activities.
• Implement effective communication channels within the start-up organization for streamlined coordination and build a string interface with the supplier and the assembly unit.
• Responsibility for defining, planning and managing the required qualifications for white and blue collars for the ramp-up.
• Responsibility for defining ramp-up specific activities (e.g. strategy, timelines etc.) for the Standard Factory Book for continuous improvement.
• Elaborate a qualification plan (content and schedule) both for the Launch Management department's own staff and for the planned staff of the respective standard cell factories.

Technical Expertise:

• Familiarity with production processes from battery manufacturing to battery assembly, understanding the intended use in the vehicles, and ensuring timely delivery of work content.
• Knowledge of milestones in the product development process, adherence to product and process standards, and suggestions for optimizing the paving process.
• Understanding of qualification processes in pre-series production, knowledge of Q-targets, and assembly process related key indicators.

Industry and Company Knowledge:

• Understanding of the battery production process, factory control process, and knowledge transfer to employees and colleagues.
• Knowledge of functional divisions within the industry, relations with relevant departments, and integration of processes both at supplier and at assembly point.
• Understanding of financing types, cost reference values, and evaluation of project information for monthly/annual presentations.

IT-Knowledge:

• Proficient Project management and change management software, including vehicle-specific changes and experience with analysis and reporting software within the companies.
• Collaborate with IT teams to implement technology-driven solutions for enhanced launch management with respect to battery assembly.
• Proficient knowledge applying the Microsoft Office products [PowerPoint, Excel, Word].

Knowledge Transfer:

• Application and adaptation of relevant methods, actively contributing new knowledge and experience, and fostering knowledge transfer within the team.
• Develop training programs and materials to ensure continuous learning and knowledge retention. Monitor training progress inline with project timeline.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Blythewood, South Carolina
• This role requires full time in-office attendance, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• 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.

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: 

• Educational Background: A Bachelors degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred. Master’s degree is a plus. Specialization in Production Management or Planning is preferred.
• Experience: At least 4 years of experience in electric car assembly or experience in electric cars at OEM manufacturer. Understanding the fundamentals of car assembly production processes is essential.
• Technical Understanding: Strong technical understanding of battery production processes, particularly in relation to steering and coordination systems. Knowledge of how these processes impact the functionality and quality of vehicles is crucial.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing production data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions to optimize pre-series production planning at supplier and battery assembly.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Adept at identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions to ensure seamless battery assemblies at supplier and at assembly unit.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills to facilitate collaboration with internal departments, suppliers, and other stakeholders, ensuring a smooth flow of information.
• Process Optimization: Previous experience in optimizing assembly production processes, driving efficiency, and implementing best practices.
• Minimum of High School Diploma, GED or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc.

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 = $100,000.00 - $125,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9

Notice to applicants:

• To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• 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.