Senior Manager, Chassis Engineering

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:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Design Release Engineers (DREs) responsible for wheel guidance components like Knuckle, wishbones, trailing arms, bushings, bearings, fasteners, wheels, tires etc.
• Hire and onboard new team members as needed to meet program and organizational growth.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure proper workload balance, resource planning, and team development.

 

Component Development & Engineering Execution

• Lead the complete development of wheel guidance parts from scratch through final customer release.
• Oversee concept creation, benchmarking, simulations, CAE reviews, design iterations, drawing releases, and engineering documentation.
• Guide the team through DFMEA creation, DVP&R, design reviews, prototyping, and validation testing.
• Ensure all components meet vehicle ride & dynamics targets, safety and crash performance, durability, NVH, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory requirements.

Supplier Engagement & Program Tracking

• Work closely with suppliers to align on technical feasibility, timing, cost targets, manufacturability, and quality expectations.
• Track supplier progress, manage risk, support supplier nomination processes, and ensure readiness for prototype and production builds.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Align closely with production, quality, sales, purchasing, finance, product management, vehicle dynamics, CAE, other R&D teams, and cross‑system engineering partners.
• Drive system integration by ensuring wheel guidance design supports requirements from adjacent systems.

Strategic Planning & Program Management

• Develop long‑term strategies for component maturity, sourcing, innovation, and future technology roadmaps.
• Create and maintain engineering development plans and ensure alignment with program milestones.
• Identify and mitigate program risks related to timing, resources, suppliers, cost, or technical challenges.

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.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel required, approximately 10% of the time including supplier visits, testing activities, or cross‑site collaboration. Valid driver's license 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 fas