Engineer, Top Hat Structures
About The Position
The Top Hat Structures Engineer is part of Scout Motors’ Body Structures team and owns the development of assigned body-side and roof-structure components and assemblies from concept through design release, validation, launch, and issue resolution. The engineer ensures deliverables meet applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and defined vehicle performance targets. The role evaluates technical, manufacturing, cost, weight, timing, and performance factors; develops and maintains part data; and benchmarks competitive vehicles. It works closely with Studio, R&D, Production Engineering, suppliers, and Quality, recommending actions within established processes and escalating risks or decisions beyond the assigned scope. The position is based in Novi, Michigan and requires 4–5 days per week in the office, with occasional travel for company events and potential visits to suppliers or manufacturing facilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- At least 5 years of body-structures experience, including design, test, and launch phases of product development.
- Proficiency in CATIA for designing, analyzing, and releasing detailed sheet-metal parts and assemblies.
- Strong sheet-metal design expertise and first-principles problem-solving ability, including evaluating identifiable factors, adapting established approaches, and resolving unusual technical issues.
- Working knowledge of computer-aided engineering (CAE) methods and ability to apply analysis results to component and subsystem design decisions.
- Ability to build effective working relationships across organizational levels and advise technical and nontechnical stakeholders on difficult engineering matters.
- Ability to coordinate across Studio, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and supplier teams while owning assigned deliverables.
- Proficiency with data analysis and reporting tools such as MATLAB, Minitab, or Excel.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations to different audiences.
- Integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, a positive attitude, and a growth mindset; comfort with change and a collaborative approach in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Own sheet-metal design and release of assigned body-side and roof-structure stampings and assemblies, meeting technical, quality, timing, and documentation requirements.
- Evaluate design, manufacturing, cost, weight, timing, and vehicle-performance factors; recommend and implement appropriate actions at development milestones.
- Analyze sections, components, and subsystems to identify performance gaps, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and develop solutions supporting vehicle-level efficiency and performance targets.
- Develop and maintain CAD data for design-alternative studies, packaging evaluations, design reviews, and production development.
- Collaborate on simulation methods for body-structure concepts related to handling, safety, structural performance, and driving experience.
- Plan and support virtual and physical verification activities, including prototype builds and field testing; assess results and drive issues to closure.
- Assess consumer, benchmark, test, and field information to identify opportunities and recommend system improvements.
- Coordinate supplier deliverables, including technical reviews, timing, issue resolution, and production readiness.
- Serve as the primary engineering contact for assigned body-side and roof-structure topics, communicating status, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional partners and senior contacts.
- Create and maintain part data and benchmark the competitive set.
Benefits
- Competitive medical, dental, vision, and income protection plans.
- 401(k) program with employer match and immediate vesting.
- 20 days of 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 bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave.
- Annual performance bonus program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
