Manufacturing Engineer, Body Shop

What you’ll do

We’re seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with a strong Body in White (BIW) background to join our fast-paced production environment. This individual will support the launch and continuous improvement of BIW operations—focusing on dimensional accuracy, joining quality, and equipment efficiency. Own the design, installation, and optimization of BIW tooling, geometric locating fixtures, and joining systems across framing, underbody, bodysides and closures.  

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

• Support launch readiness by validating tooling capability (CP/CPK, GR&R), conducting tryouts, and ensuring weld joint integrity per design standards. 
• Lead or support root cause analysis on dimensional or joining issues using measurement data (CMM, 3D scans) and feedback from quality systems. 
• Drive process standardization, developing work instructions, control plans, and lessons learned for all BIW stations. 
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers and internal engineering teams during design reviews, buy-offs, and installation phases. 
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to reduce cycle time, improve OEE, and mitigate recurring quality issues. 
• Create and maintain digital documentation of tooling assets, joining schedules, process flows, and risk assessments in PLM and MES systems. 
• Provide on-site support for BIW production teams, including support for robotic programming, equipment troubleshooting, and PM development. 
• Lead or contribute to new product introduction (NPI) efforts by integrating new designs into BIW with minimal disruption to baseline production. 
• Assist with training production and maintenance teams on new equipment, process changes, and quality standards. 
• Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout. 

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Blythewood, SC or Columbia, SC. 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: 

This role requires expertise in BIW tooling, joining methods (resistance spot welding, MIG/MAG, hemming, adhesive bonding, clinching), and automation (robots and vision systems). You’ll work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and design to ensure safe, repeatable, high-yield BIW processes. 

• 5+ years of experience in BIW manufacturing or automotive body structures, ideally in high-volume production environments. 
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent field. 
• Hands-on experience with welding processes, robotic automation, and fixture/tooling design specific to BIW. 
• Understanding of dimensional engineering principles, including GD&T, datum strategies, and tolerance stack-ups. 
• Familiarity with weld schedule tuning, joint stack-up variations, and fixture repeatability. 
• Strong analytical skills in reading and interpreting CMM reports, SPC data, and process capability metrics. 
• Proficiency in CAD (Catia, NX, TeamCenter, or SolidWorks) and experience reviewing tooling and part models. 
• Basic knowledge of robot programming (Fanuc) and PLC logic preferred. 
• Strong collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with quality, production, and equipment suppliers. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. 
• Skilled in effectively communicating both verbally and in writing 
• Well versed in MS Office 

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 = $110,000-$130,000

Internal leveling code: IC9