Scout Motors

Engineer, Supplier Quality - Airbags / Safety Restraints

Scout Motors · Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Columbia, South Carolina, United States $95K–$120K Posted 2026-08-13
Salary
$95K–$120K
Type
Full-time
Experience
4+ yr

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

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

  • Support supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques and quality control processes from the advanced development phase to mass production using APQP and VDA quality management processes.
  • Support all quality performance and functional standards, to ensure all vehicle activities are met in the supply chain to meet Customer satisfaction.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to help ensure Scout Quality expectations and industrialization milestones are met
  • Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at suppliers.
  • Responsible for reviewing and participating in approval of necessary boundary samples, appearance catalogs, etc.
  • Responsible for ensuring change management occurs and is identified properly, and proactively for product architecture requests.
  • Responsible for Supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities within the supply chain from development to series production.
  • Work as a partner with the Supply chain to ensure escalations of issues are raised and resolutions are resolved in a timely manner.
  • Support and coordinate supplier improvement activities related to cost, quality, and manufacturability using established Supplier Quality tools and processes.
  • Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between Suppliers with Scout Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams to always ensure proper transparency and communication.
  • Responsible for supplier audits and corrective actions to ensure their ability to meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations.
  • Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
  • Monitor assigned supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness activities, and design-change readiness; escalate risks and gaps through defined Supplier Quality review points.
  • Responsible for driving continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
  • Ensure suppliers have exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient and seamless production of high-quality products.
  • Validate supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes to ensure they are capable and robust using read across methodology for similar manufacturing lines and/or suppliers.
  • Facilitate new or alternative materials for that will positively impact design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
  • Participate in supplier reviews including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews.
  • Support suppliers in efficient use of best methods of manufacturing, testing, and gauging, poke-yokes and correct tools or assembly equipment to use
  • Drive Quality improvements with Engineering, Quality and Operations to ensure Quality KPI’s are met and drive to exceed expectations.
  • Support the planning, execution and evaluation of root cause analysis to ensure high quality of Scout production vehicles through fast response methodologies.
  • Participate in and help drive execution of Scout Quality expectations to support KPI achievement.
  • Act with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier.
  • Work to mitigate warranty claims with suppliers to drive closure and resolution of issues with the cross-functional group.
  • Work cross functionally with other departments within Scout.
  • Support NCR resolution.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Location & Travel Expectations :

  • This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in  Columbia, South Carolina
  • 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 40-70% 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 or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in Automotive Electronics/ Electrical Engineering/ Product Quality in a Supplier Quality role dealing with Airbags, Automotive Occupant Safety Systems & Safety Restraint Technology
  • Understanding of customer requirements and safety regulations for Automotive Passive Safety Systems products such as Airbag and Seatbelt systems to meet safety regulations, such as FMVSS (208, 214, and 226)
  • Understanding of safety requirements, research and testing on vehicle parts to ensure safety and effectiveness
  • Very good technical understanding and sound specialist knowledge of vehicle development, vehicle production and supply chain management.
  • Excellent operations experience and very good understanding of the vehicle assembly/functionality.
  • Great written and verbal communications skills.
  • Sound knowledge of quality management and methodologies.
  • Experience in Quality Systems a plus: PPAP/APQP/ VDA processes; In-depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection.
  • VDA Auditing experience preferred.
  • Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high level of assertiveness as well as entrepreneurial thinking and goal- and result-oriented decision-making skills
  • Certification in AIAG Core Tools- MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP
  • Ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional partners through clear communication, technical credibility, and structured issue resolution.
  • Proven ability to coordinate supplier activities and communicate effectively with supplier counterparts to ensure customer requirements and quality expectations are met.
  • Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
  • Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis as well as an ability to explain complex issues in a concise and plain manner.
  • Ability to travel 40-70% of the time (May entail international travel, passport 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:

  • 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   ap p licable  fair  employment  p ractice 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 [email protected].

$110K — 10th pctl $265K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $107K vs. market median $180K for Engineering roles
-40%
below median
Based on 22,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
Scout Motors

Scout Motors

Automotive · Private · Charlotte, USA

Stage & Valuation
Private · $1.7B
Key Investors
Volkswagen Group
Open roles on NewJob
Most hiring in
Engineering (79) · Operations (57) · BizOps (14)
Scout Motors is an electric vehicle company backed by Volkswagen Group, reviving the iconic Scout brand to develop rugged all-electric SUVs and pickup trucks.
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