R&D Auto Technician (Assembly)

Description:

What you’ll do 

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the all-electric pickup truck and rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following: 

Key Responsibilities

Vehicle Build & Integration 

• Support Technical Center Workshop activities related to vehicle build, rework, and validation with a focus on all Assembly operations.  
• Independently perform vehicle assembly, disassembly, modification, and rework activities on prototype, pre-production, and development vehicles. 
• Install, fabricate, modify, and adapt components and systems when standard work instructions or service procedures are unavailable. 
• Support integration of engineering development parts, prototypes, test equipment, and experimental hardware. 
• Perform vehicle builds requiring a combination of mechanical, electrical, chassis, and energy system expertise. 
• Develop practical installation solutions while maintaining engineering intent, safety requirements, and build quality.
   

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting 

• Independently diagnose complex vehicle issues using systematic troubleshooting techniques and root cause analysis. 
• Identify, investigate, and resolve mechanical, electrical, software, integration, and vehicle performance concerns. 
• Utilize diagnostic tools, test equipment, vehicle network analysis tools, and engineering data to determine root causes. 
• Troubleshoot vehicle systems with limited documentation or engineering guidance. 
• Provide detailed feedback and technical recommendations to engineering teams. 

Mechanical & Chassis Systems 

• Diagnose, repair, and modify suspension, steering, braking, structural, and underbody systems. 
• Perform wheel alignments, chassis setup changes, component replacement, and ride/handling evaluations. 
• Support prototype testing activities and validate corrective actions through functional evaluations. 

Electrical & Energy Systems 

• Install, diagnose, repair, and validate low-voltage and high-voltage vehicle systems. 
• Support work involving batteries, power electronics, drive units, charging systems, thermal management systems, sensors, and vehicle communication networks. 
• Perform high-voltage safety procedures, isolation activities, and lockout/tagout practices when applicable. 
• Utilize diagnostic software and OEM tools to analyze faults, perform calibrations, and support software updates.
   

Testing & Validation Support 

• Install and remove instrumentation, measurement systems, data acquisition hardware, and test equipment. 
• Conduct validation drives and functional checks to verify repairs, modifications, and engineering changes. 
• Support engineering investigations by collecting data, documenting observations, and recommending corrective actions. 
• Assist with vehicle readiness for test events, engineering reviews, and development milestones. 

Documentation & Continuous Improvement 

• Accurately document diagnostics, repairs, modifications, rework actions, and engineering observations. 
• Create and improve work procedures, best practices, and build documentation when gaps are identified. 
• Support knowledge transfer and training of other technicians as needed. 
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to increase workshop efficiency, quality, and safety. 

 

Location & Travel Expectations 

The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance at in-person meetings and hands-on workshop activities. The role will be based at a Scout Motors Production Technical Center location in Blythewood, South Carolina. Occasional travel may be required to support vehicle builds, test events, or company activities. 

Requirements:

 What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scouts to demonstrate integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and a positive, growth-oriented mindset. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals. In addition, you’ll bring: 

• 5+ years of hands-on automotive technician experience in prototype, engineering, motor sports, advanced manufacturing, or vehicle development environments. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills across multiple vehicle systems. 
• Experience performing custom installations, modifications, and prototype development work. 
• Broad understanding of mechanical, electrical, chassis, and vehicle integration systems. 
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, service information, CAD illustrations, and technical documentation. 
• Experience using diagnostic scan tools, electrical test equipment, and measurement devices. 
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments in a dynamic environment with changing requirements. 
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate development vehicles for functional verification and testing. 

Preferred Qualifications 

A successful candidate may also have: 

• Experience supporting prototype, concept, pre-production, or engineering development vehicles. 
• High-voltage vehicle certification or EV safety training. 
• ASE certifications or equivalent technical certifications. 
• Experience with vehicle communication networks including CAN, LIN, and Ethernet. 
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and vehicle testing. 
• Experience with ADAS systems, calibration activities, and vehicle integration. 
• Fabrication, machining, welding, or custom modification experience. 
• Experience supporting engineering teams in a vehicle development environment. 

The ideal candidate: 

• Is a self-starter who proactively identifies problems and develops solutions without waiting for direction. 
• Thrives in situations where procedures do not yet exist. 
• Can translate engineering concepts into successful hands-on vehicle installations. 
• Balances creativity and innovation with safety and quality requirements. 
• Comfortable making technical decisions and recommendations based on experience and evidence. 
• Possesses strong ownership mentality and accountability for vehicle readiness and build quality. 
• Communicates effectively with engineers, technicians, and leadership teams. 
• Demonstrates curiosity, resourcefulness, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset.