Engineer, Top Hat Structures

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 own the development of assigned Body Side and Roof structure components and assemblies from concept through design release, validation, launch, and issue resolution. The engineer will ensure assigned deliverables meet applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and defined vehicle performance targets. The role collaborates with Studio, R&D and Production Engineering, suppliers, and Quality to evaluate identifiable technical, manufacturing, cost, weight, timing, and performance factors; select an appropriate course of action within established engineering processes; and escalate decisions or risks that exceed the assigned scope.

This role also creates and maintains part data and benchmarks the competitive set.

What you’ll do

• Own the sheet metal design and release of assigned body side and roof structure stampings and assemblies for new products, ensuring deliverables meet defined technical, quality, timing, and documentation requirements.
• Evaluate identifiable design, manufacturing, cost, weight, timing, and vehicle-performance factors; recommend and implement the appropriate course of action at each development milestone.
• Analyze sections, components, and sub-systems to identify performance gaps, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and drive design solutions that support vehicle-level efficiency and performance targets.
• Develop and maintain CAD data for design-alternative studies, packaging evaluations, design reviews, and production development of assigned parts.
• Collaborate in the development and application of simulation methods for new body-structure concepts related to vehicle handling, safety, structural performance, and the overall driving experience.
• Plan and support virtual and physical verification activities for assigned components and assemblies, including prototype builds and field testing; evaluate results and drive issues through closure.
• Assess consumer, benchmark, test, and field information to identify opportunities and recommend system improvements within the assigned scope.
• Coordinate supplier-partner deliverables for assigned components, including technical reviews, timing, issue resolution, and production readiness.
• Serve as the primary engineering contact for assigned body-side and roof-structure topics; communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional partners and senior contacts, adapting the level of detail to the audience.

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

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in body structures, including all three phases of product development (design, test and launch).
• Proficiency in CATIA for designing, analyzing, and releasing detailed sheet-metal parts and assemblies.
• Strong technical expertise in sheet-metal design and first-principles problem solving, with the ability to evaluate identifiable factors, adapt established approaches, and resolve unusual technical issues.
• Working knowledge of computer-aided engineering (CAE) methods and the ability to apply analysis results to component and subsystem design decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across organizational levels and advise technical and nontechnical stakeholders on difficult engineering matters.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across Studio, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and supplier teams while maintaining ownership of assigned deliverables.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., MATLAB, Minitab, Excel).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations to differing audiences.

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:

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.