Manager, Concept Architecture and Human Factors

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

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

Lead Concept Architecture for the Body Domain

• Own the early development of body-related concept architecture including occupant package, body structure layout, closures, interior spatial layout, and vehicle packaging envelopes.
• Guide creation of 3D CAD-based packaging proposals to solve ergonomic, spatial, and integration challenges across engineering and design domains.
• Evaluate feasibility, manufacturability, safety requirements, and design intent early in the vehicle definition process.

Drive Hardware Human Factors & Physical UX

(focused on physical interaction and ergonomics)

• Define seating position strategy, posture targets, reach envelopes, ingress/egress geometry, visibility requirements, and comfort criteria.
• Develop and validate physical control layouts (switches, knobs, stalks, hard buttons) based on ergonomic principles and safety standards.
• Oversee physical mockups, seating bucks, packaging models, and HF evaluation tools to validate assumptions and user targets.

Collaborate Closely with Design (Styling)

• Partner daily with Vehicle Design/Styling to integrate design intent with engineering feasibility and ergonomic targets.
• Align surface development, interior themes, exterior proportions, and usability requirements with early packaging constraints.
• Facilitate tradeoff discussions that balance aesthetics, user experience, safety, and functional targets.

Cross Functional Concept Development

• Collaborate across Body Engineering, Interior, Exterior, UX/HMI, EE Architecture, ADAS, Vehicle Safety, and Manufacturing.
• Represent physical human factors and body-domain concept architecture in design reviews, packaging forums, and leadership checkpoints.
• Resolve competing cross-domain requirements with structured, datadriven tradeoff recommendations.

Prototype, Evaluate, and Communicate Concepts

• Lead the creation of virtual and physical prototypes for evaluating packaging, reach, vision, ergonomics, and hardware interactions.
• Oversee generation of 2D/3D documentation, packaging guidelines, HF standards, and early requirements.
• Communicate concept rationale and decisions clearly to engineering, design, and leadership stakeholders.

Lead and Develop a HighPerforming Team

• Manage and mentor concept architects and human factors specialists.
• Define processes that support rapid CADbased iteration, structured deliverables, and transparent collaboration.
• Foster a culture centered on innovation, user centric thinking, and engineering excellence.

Location & Travel Expectations :

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in 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 or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors Engineering, Industrial Design, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in vehicle packaging, concept architecture, hardware human factors, or early-phase automotive development.
• Experience managing teams or driving complex cross-functional concept development tracks.
• Strong CAD capability , with proficiency in creating, modifying, and reviewing packaging models and concept geometry.
• CATIA V5 and Teamcenter experience strongly preferred.
• Expertise in occupant packaging, ergonomics, visibility analysis, physical control layout, and body-domain engineering principles.
• Solid understanding of automotive safety/regulatory standards (FMVSS, IIHS, SAE).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate deeply with design/styling teams and balance design intent with engineering feasibility.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across design, engineering, and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human modeling and ergonomic analysis tools (e.g., RAMSIS, Jack, Siemens Human Model).
• Background in ergonomic buck development and physical prototype assessments.
• Experience with body architecture, interior/exterior integration, or closure systems.
• Familiarity with EV-specific packaging considerations and constraints.
• Experience working in an advanced R&D or fast-paced innovation environment.

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
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
  • A mobility stipend

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: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00

Internal Leveling Code: M8

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].