Principal, Battery Cell Technical Specialist

About the role

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:

• Coordinate battery cell engineering activities between Scout, Volkswagen Group, and battery cell suppliers.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for lithium-ion battery cell technologies at Scout.
• Provide on-site Scout support at cell supplier facilities at critical milestone events.
• Develop battery cell technical requirements aligned to vehicle performance, durability, and safety requirements.
• Work with R&D and cell suppliers to develop advanced battery cells, optimizing for performance, energy density, and lifespan while considering manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with suppliers and research teams to evaluate and select appropriate materials for cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators to improve cell performance and safety.
• Oversee the prototyping and testing of battery cells, including performance characterization, cycle life testing, and safety assessments.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including battery pack engineers, electrical engineers, and systems engineers to integrate battery cells into complete energy storage systems to support vehicle performance and durability.
• Support lithium-ion battery cell technical evaluations.
• Monitor cell supplier development activities and qualification processes.
• Lead / Support technical discussions regarding cell design changes and problem resolution.
• Support integration of cells into modules and battery packs.
• Work with BMS, thermal, mechanical, safety, and vehicle integration teams.
• Provide technical expertise for compliance testing and certification processes.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive innovation in battery cell technology.

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. Valid driver's license required. 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:

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in lithium-ion battery cell design and development for automotive applications.
• Proven experience leading lithium-ion battery cell development programs from concept through production launch.
• Knowledge of Volkswagen group battery cell development and release processes.
• Strong understanding of battery testing, validation methodologies, and performance characterization techniques.
• Understanding of battery cell manufacturing processes and quality control methods.
• Knowledge of automotive battery regulations and standards, including FMVSS 305, UNECE R100, UN 38.3, IEC, and UL standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Ability to be self-sufficient with minimal direction to meet deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface with colleagues and suppliers around the world.
• Willingness to support frequent travel domestically and internationally to supplier and development locations including Germany and Korea.

Pay and benefits

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 = $170,000.00 - $206,250.00

Internal leveling code: IC6