Senior Engineer, Top Hat Structures

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!

About the team

The Body Systems Team within Scout includes Body Structures, Closures, Ladder Frame, Interior and Exterior Trim, Lighting, Accessories, and Safety . This role is specifically assigned to the Body Structures team .

The Top Hat Structures Engineer will be responsible for leading the development of the Body Side and Roof structure to ensure that it meet s industry standards, regulatory requirements, and performance expectations established for the vehicle, and has performance that is equal to the competition . The engineer will collaborate with studio personnel, engineering from R&D and Production , suppliers, and the quality team to develop the design and resolve issues related to the execution of the styling, manufacturing process , and to system performance targets and requirements . This role will involve the creation of part data and the benchmarking of the competitive set .

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:

• Own the sheet metal design, integration, validation, and release of body side and roof structure stampings and assemblies from concept through launch, ensuring innovative and optimized solutions for Scout trucks.
• Set the technical approach and drive cross-functional tradeoff decisions so parts and assemblies meet cost, weight, quality, timing, manufacturability, and vehicle performance targets at all design milestones.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of sections, components, interfaces, and subsystems; evaluate variable factors and adapt methods and criteria to resolve complex structural issues and improve overall vehicle efficiency.
• Develop and direct CAD studies for design alternatives and production development, using engineering judgment to recommend technically sound solutions.
• Guide collaborative design and simulation activities for new body-system concepts related to vehicle handling, safety, durability, manufacturability, and the overall driving experience; translate results into design requirements and decisions.
• Own virtual and physical verification planning for the assigned structure scope, including prototype and field testing; evaluate results, identify risks, and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Proactively assess consumer, competitive, manufacturing, and field insights and recommend system improvements with clear technical rationale and impact analysis.
• Lead technical coordination with supplier partners, establish deliverable and validation expectations, assess complex supplier issues, and drive sustainable resolution without direct authority.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor within the Body Structures team, frequently advising partners across Studio, CAE, Safety, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers on complex matters and design tradeoffs

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.

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 or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive body structures, including design, validation, and launch, with demonstrated ownership of complex sheet metal systems or subsystems.
• Skilled in utilizing CATIA for designing and developing detailed parts.
• Deep technical expertise in sheet metal design and joining methods, coupled with a first-principles approach to solving complex, multi-variable engineering problems.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply CAE results to structural design decisions, validation strategy, and issue resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to build networks with key contacts outside the immediate area of expertise and advise stakeholders on complex technical matters.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, including Studio, CAE, Safety, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers, and drive decisions to closure without direct authority.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., MATLAB, Minitab, Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to select and adapt engineering methods, solve ambiguous technical issues creatively and effectively, and provide decision-ready recommendations.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Work Environment:

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Potential travel to suppliers or manufacturing facilities for material assessments.

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