Senior Engineer, Product Quality - Suspension / Brakes / Alignment

About the team  

The Production Quality Team within Scout includes Technical Engineering Quality.  The Product Quality Engineer (PQE) – Suspension/Brakes/Alignment is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of suspension, braking, and alignment systems in vehicles. This role involves problem-solving, root cause analysis, supplier coordination, and continuous improvement efforts to maintain high-quality standards in manufacturing and product development. The PQE works closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, design, suppliers, and customer service, to address quality issues and drive process enhancements. 

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:

Quality Assurance & Control: 

• Ensure compliance with company and industry quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.). 
• Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics related to suspension, brakes, and alignment systems. 
• Perform audits on manufacturing processes and supplier components to ensure adherence to specifications. 
• Lead failure analysis and problem resolution using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, and 5-Why analysis. 

Issue Investigation & Root Cause Analysis: 

• Investigate product failures, warranty claims, and customer complaints related to suspension, braking, and alignment issues. 
• Utilize tools like FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) to assess and mitigate risks. 
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). 

Supplier & Manufacturing Support: 

• Work closely with suppliers to improve component quality and resolve non-conformance issues. 
• Support production teams in resolving manufacturing quality concerns and process deviations. 
• Review and validate engineering changes related to suspension, brakes, and alignment to ensure quality impact assessment. 

Continuous Improvement & Process Enhancement: 

• Identify and drive quality improvement initiatives to enhance product performance and reliability. 
• Implement Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize processes and reduce defects. 
• Develop and update quality control plans, work instructions, and inspection criteria. 

Testing & Validation Support: 

• Support durability and performance testing of suspension, brake, and alignment systems. 
• Work with R&D and testing teams to validate new designs and product modifications. 
• Analyze test data to ensure compliance with safety and performance requirements. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina.
• The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance in office with in-person meetings and events regularly. 
• 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 frequently (international and domestic) 10-40% of the time (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: 

• Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. 
• Years of Experience: 3+ years in product quality, manufacturing, or supplier quality engineering in the automotive industry. 
• Communication: Strong written, verbal communication skills, along with collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.  
• Technical Knowledge:  
  • Strong understanding of suspension, brake, and alignment systems. 
  • Proficiency in quality tools like FMEA, SPC, 8D, PPAP, APQP, and MSA. 
  • Hands-on experience with problem-solving techniques such as Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action implementation. 
• Software Proficiency:  
  • Experience with CAD software, data analysis tools, and quality management systems. 
  • Familiarity with statistical tools like Minitab is a plus. 
• Certifications (Preferred): Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), IATF 16949 Lead Auditor. 
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving. 

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 = $130,000.00 - $140,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8

Notice to applicants:

• 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.