Y Combinator 
Techstars Specialist, Pre Series Management
Summary
Engineer specializing in Design Verification Plans (DVPs) to coordinate and track vehicle validation activities during prototype and pre-series phases for an electric vehicle startup.
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!
Overview
We are seeking a highly driven engineer – Pre-Series Management Specialist to ensure alignment between Design Verification Plans (DVPs) and actual validation and development activities during prototype and pre-series phases.
This role acts as the central point of control for verification execution, ensuring that all planned validation activities are properly defined, tracked, executed, and reported across vehicle programs. The position requires strong cross-functional coordination, high attention to detail, and the ability to manage complexity across multiple systems and teams.
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:
DVP Ownership & Maintenance (Primary Focus)
- Own and maintain the Design Verification Plan (DVP) for vehicle systems and subsystems
- Ensure DVPs are:
- Complete
- Up to date
- Aligned with program timing and engineering maturity
- Continuously reconcile planned vs. executed validation activities
- Identify gaps, missing test coverage, and outdated requirements
Validation Tracking & Alignment
- Track execution of all validation and development activities across:
- Component level
- Subsystem level
- Full vehicle level
- Ensure alignment between:
- Engineering teams
- Test teams
- Suppliers
- Monitor status of:
- Test requests
- Test completion
- Results availability
- Highlight risks related to test readiness, delays, or incomplete coverage
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Act as central interface between:
- Engineering (design owners)
- Test & validation teams
- Prototype / garage operations
- Drive clarity on:
- Test intent
- Acceptance criteria
- Validation scope
- Ensure all stakeholders are aligned on current validation status
Gap Analysis & Risk Management
- Perform regular gap analysis between:
- DVP requirements
- Actual executed tests
- Identify:
- Missing validation activities
- Insufficient test coverage
- Misalignment between development and validation
- Escalate risks proactively and drive resolution with responsible teams
Reporting & Program Transparency
- Develop and maintain clear reporting on:
- DVP status and completeness
- Validation progress vs. plan
- Key risks and blockers
- Provide structured updates to program leadership
- Support milestone readiness reviews (e.g., prototype builds, gateway gates)
Process & Continuous Improvement
- Improve processes for:
- DVP creation and maintenance
- Validation tracking and reporting
- Cross-functional coordination
- Implement tools and methods to increase transparency and efficiency
- Standardize best practices across programs
Location & Travel Expectations:
- This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC.
- 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 Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or related)
- 7+ years of experience in:
- Vehicle development
- Validation / verification (V&V)
- Prototype or pre-series environments
- Strong experience with:
- Design Verification Plans (DVPs)
- Vehicle validation processes
- Proven ability to manage complex cross-functional activities
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Preferred
- Experience in full vehicle development programs (OEM or Tier 1)
- Familiarity with:
- Durability, functional, and integration testing
- Automotive development milestones (e.g., PEP, gateways)
- Experience with program tracking tools (JIRA, Polarion, Teamcenter, etc.)
- Background in both engineering and validation/test environments
- Experience in startup or fast-paced development organizations
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 = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00
Internal leveling code: IC9
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 ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.