Engineer, Supplier Quality - Airbags / Safety Restraints

Scout Motors • Columbia, SC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Scout Motors is reviving an iconic American vehicle brand, electrifying and digitizing it with American innovation. We are building a company that respects its past and future, its communities, and its customers. We offer two powertrains: an all-electric option and the Harvester™ range extender. We empower our teams to innovate and seek individuals who are visionary leaders, knowledgeable doers, and passionate go-getters. Join us to shape the future of transportation and make history.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in Automotive Electronics/ Electrical Engineering/ Product Quality in a Supplier Quality role dealing with Airbags, Automotive Occupant Safety Systems & Safety Restraint Technology.
• Understanding of customer requirements and safety regulations for Automotive Passive Safety Systems products such as Airbag and Seatbelt systems to meet safety regulations, such as FMVSS (208, 214, and 226).
• Understanding of safety requirements, research and testing on vehicle parts to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Very good technical understanding and sound specialist knowledge of vehicle development, vehicle production, and supply chain management.
• Excellent operations experience and very good understanding of vehicle assembly/functionality.
• Great written and verbal communications skills.
• Sound knowledge of quality management and methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection.
• Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high level of assertiveness as well as entrepreneurial thinking and goal- and result-oriented decision-making skills.
• Ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional partners through clear communication, technical credibility, and structured issue resolution.
• Proven ability to coordinate supplier activities and communicate effectively with supplier counterparts to ensure customer requirements and quality expectations are met.
• Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
• Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis as well as an ability to explain complex issues in a concise and plain manner.
• Ability to travel 40-70% of the time (May entail international travel, passport required).
• Valid driver's license required.
• Passport required.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Quality Systems a plus: PPAP/APQP/ VDA processes.
• VDA Auditing experience preferred.
• Certification in AIAG Core Tools- MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP.

Responsibilities

• Support supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques, and quality control processes from advanced development to mass production using APQP and VDA quality management processes.
• Ensure all vehicle activities in the supply chain meet quality performance and functional standards for customer satisfaction.
• Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to ensure Scout Quality expectations and industrialization milestones are met.
• Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at suppliers.
• Review and approve necessary boundary samples, appearance catalogs, etc.
• Ensure change management occurs and is identified properly for product architecture requests.
• Responsible for supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities within the supply chain from development to series production.
• Partner with Supply Chain to ensure timely escalation and resolution of issues.
• Support and coordinate supplier improvement activities related to cost, quality, and manufacturability using established Supplier Quality tools and processes.
• Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between Suppliers and Scout Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams.
• Conduct supplier audits and manage corrective actions to ensure part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations are met.
• Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Monitor assigned supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness, and design-change readiness; escalate risks and gaps.
• Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Ensure suppliers have robust processes and procedures for efficient and seamless production of high-quality products.
• Validate supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes to ensure capability and robustness.
• Facilitate the use of new or alternative materials to positively impact design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
• Participate in supplier reviews, including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews.
• Support suppliers in the efficient use of best methods of manufacturing, testing, and gauging, poke-yokes, and correct tools or assembly equipment.
• Drive Quality improvements with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to meet and exceed Quality KPI’s.
• Support the planning, execution, and evaluation of root cause analysis for high quality of Scout production vehicles.
• Participate in and drive execution of Scout Quality expectations to support KPI achievement.
• Act with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier.
• Work to mitigate warranty claims with suppliers to drive closure and resolution of issues.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments within Scout.
• Support NCR resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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
• Pay Transparency
• Annual performance bonus program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level