Senior Manager, Chassis Engineering

Scout Motors•Novi, MI

5h•$160,000 - $192,500•Onsite

About The Position

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!

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
8+ years of experience in chassis, suspension, or wheel guidance component development within an OEM or Tier‑1 supplier.
Proven experience developing components from concept through production release.
Prior leadership experience managing engineers or technical teams.
Strong understanding of suspension kinematics, durability, vehicle dynamics, structural engineering, and materials.
Experience with supplier management, design reviews, PPAP processes, and manufacturing feasibility.
Proficiency with CAD/PLM systems (e.g., CATIA, NX, Teamcenter or similar).
Exceptional communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Minimum of High School Diploma, GED or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc.
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required, approximately 10% of the time.
Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Benefits

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