Scout Motors Inc.
Engineer, Supplier Quality - Suspension
Scout Motors Inc., Columbia, South Carolina, us, 29228
Engineer, Supplier Quality - Suspension
Join to apply for the Engineer, Supplier Quality - Suspension role at Scout Motors Inc.
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, forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again. Scout is more than just a brand; it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. Respect for the past and the future, electrifying and digitizing the iconic American brand, and committing to communities through a company that stands for its people and customers. We empower talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate, shaping the future of transportation.
What you’ll do
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 leadership at suppliers to ensure Scout’s Quality expectations are met and that suppliers can meet the industrialization related activities on time with the Supplier Quality team and escalates when unable.
Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at the suppliers.
Review and participate in approval of necessary boundary samples, appearance catalogs, etc.
Ensure change management occurs and is identified properly, and proactively for product architecture requests.
Handle 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 resolves in a timely manner.
Lead supplier improvements in cost, quality, and manufacturability.
Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between Suppliers with Scout Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams to ensure proper transparency and communication.
Conduct supplier audits and corrective actions to ensure they can meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations.
Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
Accountable for ongoing monitoring of supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness for new products, and design changes.
Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
Ensure suppliers have robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient production of high‑quality products.
Validate supplier corrective actions involving design 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 that will positively impact design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
Participate in supplier reviews including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews.
Support/lead suppliers’ inefficient 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 meet and exceed Quality KPIs.
Plan, execute, and evaluate root cause analysis to ensure high quality of Scout production vehicles through fast response methodologies.
Lead, participate, and drive Scout’s Quality expectations as required to ensure KPIs are met.
Act with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier.
Mitigate warranty claims with suppliers to achieve closure and resolution of issues with the cross‑functional group.
Work cross‑functionally with other departments within Scout.
Support NCR resolution.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for quality‑related concerns, issues, and improvements.
Ensure that suspension components (e.g., shock absorbers, struts, coil springs) meet internal and external specifications, including regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations.
Conduct regular audits, assessments, and evaluations of suppliers’ processes and systems to ensure compliance with quality standards and continuous improvement.
Lead and manage root cause investigations for quality issues, facilitating corrective actions with suppliers and monitoring effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g., Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing) to identify opportunities for process optimization and quality improvements in the supply chain.
Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on their capabilities to meet quality and performance criteria for suspension components.
Oversee testing and validation of suspension components to ensure they perform to specifications and meet durability and safety requirements.
Develop and maintain quality documentation, including inspection plans, quality records, and reports related to suspension parts and processes.
Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3) and regulatory requirements, maintaining records for audits and inspections.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Location & Travel Expectations
This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina.
The responsibilities of this role require attendance at 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 from time to time.
Ability to travel 40‑70% of the time (may entail international travel, passport required).
What you’ll bring
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical/vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field; candidates with 10+ related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
5+ years of experience in automotive drive systems or powertrain engineering/production and/or product quality in a SQE capacity.
Very good technical understanding and sound specialist knowledge of vehicle development, vehicle production and supply chain management.
Excellent operations experience and a very good understanding of vehicle assembly/functionality.
Great written and verbal communication 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 safety requirements.
Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements.
Strong teamwork and communication skills, high level of assertiveness, entrepreneurial thinking, and goal‑and result‑oriented decision‑making skills.
Certification in AIAG Core Tools—MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP.
Leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of building and leading high‑performing teams.
Proven results and ability to direct supplier activities at the management level to ensure suppliers can meet customer requirements and expectations.
Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis, and an ability to explain complex issues concisely and plainly.
What you'll gain
Competitive insurance including:
Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
401(k) program with:
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
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.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Quality Assurance
Industries Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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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, forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again. Scout is more than just a brand; it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. Respect for the past and the future, electrifying and digitizing the iconic American brand, and committing to communities through a company that stands for its people and customers. We empower talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate, shaping the future of transportation.
What you’ll do
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 leadership at suppliers to ensure Scout’s Quality expectations are met and that suppliers can meet the industrialization related activities on time with the Supplier Quality team and escalates when unable.
Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at the suppliers.
Review and participate in approval of necessary boundary samples, appearance catalogs, etc.
Ensure change management occurs and is identified properly, and proactively for product architecture requests.
Handle 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 resolves in a timely manner.
Lead supplier improvements in cost, quality, and manufacturability.
Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between Suppliers with Scout Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams to ensure proper transparency and communication.
Conduct supplier audits and corrective actions to ensure they can meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations.
Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
Accountable for ongoing monitoring of supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness for new products, and design changes.
Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
Ensure suppliers have robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient production of high‑quality products.
Validate supplier corrective actions involving design 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 that will positively impact design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
Participate in supplier reviews including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews.
Support/lead suppliers’ inefficient 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 meet and exceed Quality KPIs.
Plan, execute, and evaluate root cause analysis to ensure high quality of Scout production vehicles through fast response methodologies.
Lead, participate, and drive Scout’s Quality expectations as required to ensure KPIs are met.
Act with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier.
Mitigate warranty claims with suppliers to achieve closure and resolution of issues with the cross‑functional group.
Work cross‑functionally with other departments within Scout.
Support NCR resolution.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for quality‑related concerns, issues, and improvements.
Ensure that suspension components (e.g., shock absorbers, struts, coil springs) meet internal and external specifications, including regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations.
Conduct regular audits, assessments, and evaluations of suppliers’ processes and systems to ensure compliance with quality standards and continuous improvement.
Lead and manage root cause investigations for quality issues, facilitating corrective actions with suppliers and monitoring effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g., Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing) to identify opportunities for process optimization and quality improvements in the supply chain.
Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on their capabilities to meet quality and performance criteria for suspension components.
Oversee testing and validation of suspension components to ensure they perform to specifications and meet durability and safety requirements.
Develop and maintain quality documentation, including inspection plans, quality records, and reports related to suspension parts and processes.
Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3) and regulatory requirements, maintaining records for audits and inspections.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Location & Travel Expectations
This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina.
The responsibilities of this role require attendance at 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 from time to time.
Ability to travel 40‑70% of the time (may entail international travel, passport required).
What you’ll bring
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical/vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field; candidates with 10+ related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
5+ years of experience in automotive drive systems or powertrain engineering/production and/or product quality in a SQE capacity.
Very good technical understanding and sound specialist knowledge of vehicle development, vehicle production and supply chain management.
Excellent operations experience and a very good understanding of vehicle assembly/functionality.
Great written and verbal communication 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 safety requirements.
Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements.
Strong teamwork and communication skills, high level of assertiveness, entrepreneurial thinking, and goal‑and result‑oriented decision‑making skills.
Certification in AIAG Core Tools—MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP.
Leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of building and leading high‑performing teams.
Proven results and ability to direct supplier activities at the management level to ensure suppliers can meet customer requirements and expectations.
Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis, and an ability to explain complex issues concisely and plainly.
What you'll gain
Competitive insurance including:
Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
401(k) program with:
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
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.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Quality Assurance
Industries Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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