Engineering Manager, Body Main Systems Leader (MSL) – Body Metals

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
As a Body Main Systems Team Leader (MST-Leader) for Body Metal Team, you will be involved in the “cradle to grave” approach to design & development. You will contribute your functional expertise to support the successful development of Body in White (BIW), Frame, and Closures Systems. Lead analysis of concept and final product, testing & launch, commercial & timing activities, and work with studio, manufacturing team and purchasing. You will lead the team and cross-functional partners toward deliverable goals, with accountability for overall team performance and results. Specifically:
Main Systems Leaders (MSL)- Leaders are organizationally assigned to a Body Systems Engineering Team (future product development) and have a matrix relationship with the Technical Program Leaders (TPL) in Research & Development.
You will lead and provide direction to SET-Leaders who are responsible, together with the Design Release Engineers (DRE), Purchasing, Finance, Manufacturing, Quality and Logistics Team Members, for cross-departmental planning and management of activities as well as ensuring compliance with target specifications specifically in Body in White (BIW), Frame, and Closures Systems.
You will deliver the Body Systems L2 for the efficient integration of the scope into the vehicle regarding technical, cost, timing, and quality targets, as well as timing/gateway deliverables.
Main activities:
Lead SET leaders to create and then facilitate cross-function approval L2 decision with the best technical cross-functional solution.
Ensure the documentation needed for the forward sourcing plan (spec books/ Quotation Details/ etc.) is on time.
Create and agree timing progression of parts/system to MRD deliverable cross-functionally.
Track and ensure the Issues/changes needed for Issue Resolutions progress to Cross-functional resolution and elevation to Product Decision Committee (PDC) where required.
Own team execution and ensure compliance with the project timeline, milestone delivery, and overall Body Systems objectives.
Lead, develop, and provide direction to the Body Main Systems team, ensuring clear priorities, accountability, and delivery against program objectives.
Location & Travel Expectations:
This role will be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or 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. Some travel to our manufacturing site in Columbia, SC and our Innovation Center in Novi, Michigan will be required. 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 fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:
Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline (Master’s degree and significant experience is a plus)
7+ years’ experience in Body engineering development or equivalent industry experience, including experience leading engineering teams and/or complex cross-functional programs.
Knowledge of VW Group tools and process is a huge plus.
Understanding product requirements and features to deliver world class customer experience.
Strong understanding of 1st principal physics of a system –loads, forces, and overall function of the system, and tradeoffs among design, package, function, and customer experience involved with these systems.
Ability to self-direct, self-managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.
Strong desire to leverage AI tools to streamline processes.
Knowledge of automotive design and development process, system requirements, and general engineering best practices.
Good interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of integrity.
Ability to deliver under pressure and manage design and development within cost, weight, and timing constraints.
Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development and launch.
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