Lead, Electrical System Validation

Position Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Lead Engineer for Whole Vehicle EE System Validation to lead all vehicle-level validation activities across Electrical and Electronic systems. This role is critical to ensuring the functional integration, quality, and performance of all EE systems when combined in the complete vehicle environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a robust understanding of cross-domain EE interactions, and hands-on experience validating features directly in prototype and pre-production vehicles.

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:

Vehicle-Level Validation Leadership

• Define and execute the end-to-end Whole Vehicle EE Validation Strategy, focused solely on in-vehicle testing—from prototype builds through production readiness.
• Lead the development of test plans, validation coverage matrices, and system-level scenarios to ensure robust real-world performance of all EE systems.
• Act as the main validation interface for key cross-functional stakeholders (Integration, Software, Hardware, ADAS, Infotainment, Body, Powertrain, Quality).

Execution & Delivery

• Oversee vehicle-based test campaigns, including functional validation, system integration tests, fault injection, cold/hot climate testing, EMC support, and durability validations.
• Ensure coordination of test vehicles, instrumentation, and test resources across development sites and proving grounds.
• Ensure validation of inter-system interactions and corner cases that can only be observed in full-vehicle environments.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex system-level issues discovered during vehicle testing.

Compliance & Quality

• Guarantee compliance with relevant automotive standards (ISO 26262, ISO 21434, UNECE R155/R156, EMC, functional safety, and homologation requirements).
• Prepare validation reports and evidence packages for production release, quality assurance, and regulatory certification.

Process & Team Management

• Develop and manage a high-performing team of vehicle test leads, engineers, and field validation experts.
• Collaborate closely with system owners and feature owners to ensure test coverage aligns with customer use cases and vehicle programs.
• Continuously optimize test workflows, issue tracking, and cross-team alignment for vehicle-level validation.
• Manage validation budgets, vehicle allocation, and interface with external test partners where required.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan. 
• The responsibilities of this role require attendance in office with in-person meetings and events regularly. 
• 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 across the United States and Europe. 
• Travel: Domestic and international. Passport required. 

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. Heres what else youll bring: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in EE system development or validation, with at least 3 years in a direct or indirect technical leadership or managerial role.
• Deep expertise in vehicle-level EE system validation, including feature integration and functional testing in prototype/pre-production vehicles.
• Proven experience with zonal EE architectures and the associated challenges of distributed domain integration and in-vehicle communication.
• Strong knowledge of automotive networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet), diagnostics (UDS, OBD), and cross-domain EE system interactions.
• Familiarity with issue triage and debugging in a whole-vehicle environment.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Must have experience using JIRA for issue management, including logging, tracking, and reporting bugs or validation issues.
• Full flexibility to travel throughout the United States and Europe
• Passport required
• Valid drivers license required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with or on projects involving Rivian and/or Volkswagen Group, with a solid understanding of their EE architectures, toolchains, or validation methodologies.
• Experience with electric vehicles and software-defined vehicle architectures.
• Knowledge of Agile development, test case management tools, and digital validation methodologies.
• Prior involvement in SOP readiness, launch, and validation of multiple vehicle lines.
• German language skills are preferred for collaboration with European engineering teams and suppliers.

What youll 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 candidates skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $150,000.00 - $180,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC7