Supplier Quality Engineer – Powertrain

Scout Motors • Columbia, SC

4d • $95,000 - $120,000 • 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 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 environment by developing electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location. 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. And 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. 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! Our Supplier Quality team plays a vital role in ensuring that every sourced component meets Scout’s uncompromising standards of safety, reliability, and performance. Role Summary The Supplier Quality Engineer – Powertrain is responsible for ensuring that all supplier-sourced powertrain components meet Scout Motors’ engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements. This includes managing supplier development, industrialization, and ongoing performance to enable flawless product launches and long-term production stability. The role’s initial focus will be the Range Extender Engine (REX) and related subsystems, with expanding responsibility across the broader powertrain domain—including transmission, cooling, exhaust, and mounting systems—as Scout Motors’ vehicle portfolio grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Supplier Development within automotive or powertrain industries.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine systems , transmissions, cooling, and thermal management.
• Proficiency in APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3 , and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and validation requirements .
• Proven ability to manage suppliers through complex program phases and multiple launch cycles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40%).
• Passport Required.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Industrialization & Readiness Lead APQP and PPAP activities with suppliers for all powertrain components and subsystems.
• Verify supplier process readiness through audits, run-at-rate, and process capability studies.
• Ensure robust control plans, FMEAs, and process documentation are in place prior to SOP.
• Partner with Engineering and Purchasing to ensure supplier selection aligns with Scout’s technical and quality expectations.
• Quality Planning & Risk Mitigation Support early supplier engagement and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) reviews.
• Assess supplier capability and maturity to identify and mitigate technical, process, and capacity risks .
• Drive alignment of supplier quality deliverables with program milestones and Scout’s launch timing.
• Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for supplier-related issues.
• Implement containment and corrective measures to protect manufacturing and maintain build schedules.
• Track and report supplier performance metrics ( PPM, on-time PPAP, audit results ) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Serve as the primary interface between suppliers and internal teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Program Management).
• Support prototype, pre-series, and launch builds by ensuring supplier readiness and component quality.
• Provide technical feedback on supplier manufacturing capability and process improvements.
• Technical Oversight of Powertrain Components Focus on supplier quality for key powertrain systems, including: Range Extender Engine and subsystems (block, head, fuel, oil, exhaust, and cooling) Transmission and torque transfer components Thermal management and fluid systems (pumps, hoses, radiators) Engine and transmission mounting systems Apply engineering expertise to ensure compliance with performance, durability, and regulatory requirements.
• Launch & Production Support Ensure suppliers achieve flawless launch and sustained production quality .
• Conduct supplier process audits (IATF 16949 / VDA 6.3) and confirm effective corrective actions.
• Monitor supplier production performance and support proactive issue prevention during ramp-up.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees