Lead, Engineering Fleet Operations

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.    The Engineering Fleet Operations  Lead  is responsible for  the day-to-day operational management of the engineering vehicle fleet. This includes vehicle receiving and handover,  logistics  coordination, benchmark vehicle management, and full ownership of import/export documentation. The role ensures vehicles are properly tracked, compliant, and available to support engineering, testing, and validation activities.   Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following: Fleet Operations Execution   Own daily operations of the engineering fleet across all locations with full accountability for performance and readiness   Maintain real-time visibility of vehicle status (location, configuration, readiness, compliance)   Ensure fleet availability aligns with engineering, test, and validation timelines   Diagnose and resolve complex operational issues independently, balancing competing priorities   Serve as the primary escalation point and trusted expert for fleet-related matters   Vehicle Receiving & Handover   Lead vehicle intake and release processes for prototype, pre-series, and external vehicles   Define and enforce standardized check-in/check-out procedures, including condition documentation   Ensure vehicles meet configuration, documentation, and readiness requirements prior to handover   Coordinate and optimize internal handovers between engineering, validation, test, and events teams   Benchmark Vehicle Management   Own the lifecycle management of benchmark and competitor vehicles   Coordinate acquisition, registration, compliance, and tracking   Prioritize and allocate fleet usage to maximize engineering value and insights   Ensure proper storage, maintenance, and documentation standards are met   Monitor utilization trends and recommend improvements to optimize fleet effectiveness   Logistics & Vehicle Movement   Strategically plan and execute domestic and international vehicle transportation   Oversee logistics providers across road, ocean, and air freight channels   Manage time-critical and high-priority shipments supporting engineering milestones and test campaigns   Optimize transport routes, cost, and timing while mitigating operational risks   Import / Export & Compliance   Own end-to-end import/export processes for all engineering vehicles   Apply expert knowledge to prepare and manage complex customs documentation (e.g., carnets, temporary imports, exemptions)   Ensure full regulatory compliance across regions and proactively address changing requirements   Partner with customs brokers, legal, and compliance teams to resolve escalations quickly and effectively   Documentation & Tracking   Maintain accurate records of vehicle status, movement, and ownership   Track VINs, prototype IDs, and regulatory status   Ensure all vehicles have proper documentation (insurance, permits, test approvals)   Cross-Functional Coordination   Collaborate closely with Engineering, V&V, Prototype Builds, Logistics, and Procurement   Interface with external proving grounds, test agencies, and transport partners   Support test campaigns (e.g., winter testing, ride & drive events)   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 or equivalent experience in Engineering, Logistics, or Operations   12+ years of experience in fleet operations, automotive logistics, or prototype vehicle management   Strong experience with vehicle logistics, shipping, and customs processes   Hands-on experience with vehicle handling in an engineering or test environment   Preferred Qualifications Experience in prototype / pre-series vehicle environments   Familiarity with import/export regulations (EU, US, or global automotive logistics)   Experience managing benchmark fleets or competitor vehicles   Knowledge of automotive compliance and homologation basics Highly execution-focused with strong ownership mindset   Structured and detail-oriented (especially documentation & compliance)   Strong coordination and stakeholder management   Ability to work under time pressure and resolve operational issues quickly   Pragmatic, hands-on approach with “get it done” mentality   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 provides competitive 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   ap p licable  fair  employment  p ractice 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 ScoutAccommodations@[link available after sign-in].