Product Quality Engineer - Sealing/ Water/Wind

Job Overview

The Product Quality Engineer (Sealing, Water, and Wind) will be responsible for ensuring the quality and performance of sealing systems in vehicles or structures, specifically in relation to water and wind resistance. The role requires a deep understanding of product development, testing, and problem-solving systems designed to prevent water and wind ingress. This engineer will work closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure products meet the required standards and specifications for sealing efficiency, durability, and overall performance.

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:

Product Testing & Validation:

• Develop and execute test plans for sealing systems, ensuring water and wind resistance meets industry standards.
• Conduct water and air leakage tests on various components such as doors, windows, roofs, and other vehicle or structural sealing systems.
• Analyze data from tests and generate comprehensive reports detailing performance against required criteria.

Design & Process Improvements:

• Collaborate with design and R&D teams to improve sealing solutions, considering material selection, environmental impacts, and manufacturing methods.
• Provide feedback on design prototypes, focusing on improving water and wind resistance without compromising overall product functionality.
• Review and suggest improvements to manufacturing processes related to sealing system installation.

Root Cause Analysis & Troubleshooting:

• Investigate issues related to water or wind leaks in sealing systems using tools such as Six Sigma, FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), or other problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify root causes of failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues affecting sealing performance.

Quality Control & Auditing:

• Perform quality control checks on production lines, focusing on sealing system assembly and installation.
• Conduct audits of suppliers to ensure their components meet the required sealing performance standards.
• Ensure that the final product meets all customer and regulatory requirements regarding sealing, water, and wind performance.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Liaise with various departments such as product design, testing, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure product quality is maintained throughout the production process.
• Work with customers and stakeholders to address any concerns or issues regarding product sealing performance.

Compliance & Standards:

• Ensure that all sealing systems meet relevant industry and safety standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM) for water and wind ingress.
• Stay updated on new materials, technologies, and industry trends related to sealing and environmental protection

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina.
• The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance at 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: International & Domestic, 5-20% of the time, Passport Required. Valid Driver's License Required.

Work Environment:

• Office, testing lab, and manufacturing floor environment.
• Occasional exposure to industrial settings where personal protective equipment may be 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: 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in a quality engineering role, preferably related to sealing systems, water management, or similar fields.
• Strong understanding of sealing technologies, materials, and testing methods.
• Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving within a manufacturing or product development environment.

Skills:

• Knowledge of industry standards for water and wind resistance (e.g., ASTM, ISO).
• Proficiency with testing equipment and methodologies for air and water leakage.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with CAD software and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tools is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability and willingness to travel to supplier and/or manufacturing sites domestically and internationally as required.
• Passport Required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Hands-on experience with testing equipment and conducting validation tests.

Preferred:

• Certifications in quality control (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Quality Engineer).
• Familiarity with automotive, aerospace, or building industries where sealing and environmental resistance are critical.

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 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 = $130,000.00 - $140,000.00

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.