Lead Engine Cooling System Engineer

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!

What you’ll do

At Scout Motors, you don't just design vehicles- you shape the future of the road. Our Engineering team is where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, building machines that are as durable and capable as the people who drive them. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with brilliant minds across disciplines, turning complex challenges into elegant, scalable solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and user experience. This is a place where your fingerprints are found on metal - where what you design gets built, driven, and remembered. If you're hungry to engineer something that matters, Scout Motors is where that ambition finds its highest gear. 

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Engine Cooling System Design: 

• Lead design and development of engine cooling systems for range extender and hybrid powertrains. 
• Own thermal management of engines under high load conditions including towing, grade, and extended operation. 
• Design and optimize charge air cooling (CAC) systems including air-to-air and air-to-liquid architectures. 
• Define cooling requirements for radiators, intercoolers, pumps, fans, thermostats, and plumbing systems. 
• Optimize airflow, coolant flow, and heat rejection for performance, durability, and efficiency. 

Powertrain Thermal Testing & Validation: 

• Lead engine and powertrain cooling validation at component, dyno, and vehicle levels. 
• Develop and execute test plans for radiator, CAC, and underhood thermal performance. 
• Drive testing in extreme environments including hot weather, towing, grade climbs, and high load duty cycles. 
• Analyze data to identify airflow limitations, heat soak risks, and cooling system deficiencies. 
• Lead root cause and resolution of overheating, derating, and durability issues. 
• Correlate test data with simulation and drive continuous system improvements. 

Simulation and Analysis: 

• Guide development of CFD and 1D thermal-fluid models for engine cooling and CAC performance. 
• Conduct trade studies on airflow management, cooling package layouts, and component sizing. 
• Ensure robust operation across all environmental and duty cycle conditions. 

Team Leadership: 

• Lead and mentor engineers specializing in engine cooling, airflow, and thermal validation. 
• Set technical direction for cooling system design and testing strategy. 
• Promote hands-on, data-driven problem solving. 

Cross-Functional Integration: 

• Collaborate with engine, vehicle integration, aero, and controls teams. 
• Support development of thermal control strategies including fan, pump, and thermostat control. 
• Ensure cooling system integration meets packaging, manufacturing, and serviceability targets. 

Documentation and Technical Leadership: 

• Develop system specifications, DVPs, and validation reports for engine cooling systems. 
• Serve as technical authority for engine thermal performance and safety. 
• Lead issue escalation and corrective actions related to cooling performance. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the  Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or Novi, Michigan.  
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular 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.

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: 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. 
• Over 12 years of engineering experience. 
• 8 years’ experience in thermal systems design (engine/exhaust and/or component protection experience). 
• Leadership experience, with a track record of successfully leading and developing engineering teams. 
• Proficiency in simulation tools and analysis of thermal systems. 
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and testing of thermal components. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. 

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 providescompetitive 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 = $160,000.00 - $192,500.00

Internal leveling code: IC7

Notice to applicants:

• To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• 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.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].