Sr Director, Energy Systems Architecture, Integration & AI Strategy

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!

What you’ll do

As a Senior Director at Scout Motors, you will shape the strategic direction, technical vision, and organizational capability behind the energy systems that power Scout’s next generation of all‑electric trucks and rugged SUVs. You will operate as a key enterprise leader responsible for delivering a world‑class energy architecture that is safe, scalable, efficient, and deeply aligned with Scout’s brand promise of durability and adventure. 

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Set the long‑term strategy and technical roadmap for energy system architecture, integration, AI-strategy, and cross‑vehicle scalability across Scout’s EV portfolio. 
• Lead end‑to‑end integration of all energy systems—including battery, charging, power distribution, Thermal, and energy management—ensuring seamless compatibility with vehicle platforms, software ecosystems, and feature owners. 
• Define and govern system and subsystem requirements, ensuring alignment with vehicle‑level performance, safety, regulatory, and customer experience targets. 
• Lead organizational integration & establish engineering excellence standards For Energy Systems, propulsion integration, simulation, and systems engineering; spanning hardware, software, development and calibration domains. 
• Establish and scale in-house simulation capabilities, enabling end-to-end modeling of vehicle energy & performance. Implement model-based workflows to support concept development, design optimization, and validation activities for all of R&D. 
• Serve as the executive technical authority for energy system integration, guiding critical design decisions and resolving complex cross‑functional tradeoffs. 
• Build, scale, and mentor a high‑performing engineering organization, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement. 
• Drive cost‑optimized, manufacturable system designs, partnering closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and industrialization teams. 
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation, ensuring robust execution from concept through launch. 
• Ensure compliance with U.S. safety standards and regulatory requirements, proactively anticipating future policy and technology shifts. 
• Champion the customer experience, using insights and data to propose system enhancements that improve performance, reliability, and ownership satisfaction. 
• Manage organizational resources strategically, including budget, infrastructure, supplier partnerships, and workforce planning. 
• Act as a key member of Scout’s technical leadership team, influencing enterprise strategy and collaborating across all business functions. 
• Drive adoption of AI/ML methodologies across workflows, improving simulation throughput and data processing efficiency. Integrate AI-driven analytics into decision-making frameworks for performance optimization and system validation. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, 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.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel required, approximately 25 % 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:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred. 
• 15+ years of automotive experience with leadership roles developing and integrating propulsion systems into electric vehicles. 
• Proven track record of executing complex projects.  
• Demonstrated, progressive experience building and leading technical teams. Ability to inspire, motivate, promote collaboration, and drive innovation.  
• In-depth knowledge of battery electric vehicle propulsion system architecture, charging systems, energy management, and associated control algorithms.  
• Thermal system knowledge is a plus.  
• Comprehensive understanding of the electric vehicle industry, including emerging technologies, AI enabled strategies, regulatory requirements, and competitive landscape.  
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans, assess market trends, and anticipate future technological advancements in electric vehicle propulsion.  
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues. 

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: $210,000.00 - $255,000.00

Internal Leveling Code: M5

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.