Senior Manager, Thermal Systems

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:

Organizational Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop multiple teams of Design Release Engineers, with accountability for team performance and delivery.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Own resource planning, staffing strategy, and capability development for the Thermal Systems organization.
• Identify and mitigate risks across thermal systems at an organizational level.

Program Execution

• Oversee and provide direction for the design, development, and release of thermal systems across multiple programs.
• Ensure timely delivery of engineering releases, specifications, and validation milestones.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and suppliers.
• Manage program timelines, budgets, and system-level risks.

Technical Oversight

• Provide direction on system architecture, DFMEA, DVP&R, and compliance.
• Approve major design changes and engineering deliverables.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolution of complex system issues.
• Drive integration of simulation, HIL, and vehicle validation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as senior engineering interface with leadership and external partners.
• Communicate program status, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Align product, program, and supplier teams on system requirements.

Process & Quality Management

• Drive adherence to engineering processes and PLM systems.
• Own KPIs for quality, cost, timing, and performance.
• Support audits and ensure compliance with company standards.
• Lead validation strategy including bench, integration, and vehicle testing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Concept teams driving new architectures.
• Performance & simulation ensuring system requirements are met.
• Production teams ensuring launch readiness.
• Finance ensuring cost targets are achieved.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across thermal systems.

Location & Travel Expectations

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC.
• 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: occasional travel 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's or Master's degree in engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in thermal or energy systems engineering.
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing teams or organizations.
• Strong expertise in vehicle thermal systems including battery and HVAC.
• Experience with system architecture and vehicle integration.
• Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Understanding of VW Group processes preferred.

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
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
• Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
• A mobility stipend

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 = $180,000.00 - $220,000.00

Internal leveling code: M7