Lighting Engineer Specialist

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!

OverviewThe Exterior Systems and Lighting Team within Scout is a very exciting and dynamic group to be a part of. Our team works on components you see on the exterior of the car. In this role, you will specifically be working on exterior lighting components. 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:

• Responsible for developing and maintaining Scout Exterior Lighting Standards and requirements for assigned components and subsystems to ensure a robust product. Ensure appropriate vehicle connection points for electrical are present in the applicable base truck and SUV vehicle architectures.

• Participate in and/or lead development of RFQ packages, technical reviews, and supplier recommendations for assigned components.

• Lead Product Development Team(s) for assigned exterior lighting components, collaborating cross functionally across Scout internal functions and suppliers to support design direction, development, packaging, and execution to bring them to market.

• Develop and maintain product specification books, test plans, DVP&R, DFMEA, Control Plans, and Quality Assurance requirements for assigned components and subsystems.

• Coordinate with design and analysis groups to create 3D math models (CAD), complete 3D packaging, and validate with analytical models (Optics, FEA, CFD, etc.) to fulfill functional and design requirements and ensure compatibility using Design Rules, regulatory requirements, and attributes such as NVH, water management, and craftsmanship.

• Serve as a key technical contributor and liaison with Scout functional teams, making technical recommendations and decisions within the assigned component scope.

• Develop and maintain requirements and specifications for assigned components and subsystems, including device transmittals and interface control documents (ICD).

• Track and support achievement of Piece Cost, ED&D Budget, Timing, Weight, and Quality targets for assigned components and subsystems.

• Track open issues for assigned components and collaborate with functional groups and suppliers to drive issues to resolution efficiently and effectively.

• Evaluate identifiable technical, packaging, validation, supplier, cost, timing, weight, and quality factors; select an appropriate course of action; adapt established engineering approaches to unusual circumstances; and seek review or escalate risks at critical decision points.

• Ensure on-time validation, adequate testing coverage, and requirements traceability for assigned components, subsystems, and applicable vehicle-level requirements.

• Conduct product evaluation and design reviews during prototype and pre-production development phases. 

• Develop prototypes for virtual and physical verification testing, including field testing. 

• Proactively stay attuned to new advancements, market trends, and consumer experience, and recommend improvements within assigned scope.

• Follow automotive industry design best practices, such as: Robust Engineering, Design for Manufacturability, and Design for Serviceability. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC.

• This role requires at least 4 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.

• Applicants should expect that the role may require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and be able to travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time, including travel to the assembly plant for launch, Virtual Build events, supplier visits, tool shop visits, etc. 

• Travel: International travel required as needed. 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 or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a relevant field

• 7 years of relevant automotive exterior lighting experience, including experience across design, testing, and launch phases.

• Skilled in utilizing CATIA for designing and developing detailed parts

• Strong technical skills and expertise in lighting components and systems, coupled with a 1st principles approach to problem solving

• High level of oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate difficult technical matters to audiences with varying levels of subject-matter knowledge.

• Excellent organization and prioritization skills.

• Familiarity with computer-aided engineering (CAE) or direct experience in this field

• An ability to build strong working relationships with people across all organizational levels/functional teams

• Strong sense of teamwork and ability to provide informal technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers without direct supervisory responsibility.

• Experience working on Electric Vehicle programs desirable.

• Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Ability to evaluate identifiable technical factors, adapt established engineering approaches, and seek review or escalate risks at critical decision points.

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 = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

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.