Plastics Material Engineer

scoutmotors

Novi, Michigan, United States · Novi · United States

Posted Aug 14, 2026

Full-time
Remote
Body Systems

Job description

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:

Responsible for material for new products, ensuring innovative and optimized solutions for Scout trucks and SUVs.
Participate in collaborative design and creation of material planning to enhance the overall vision of interior styling.
Proactively stay attuned to consumer experience and propose system improvements accordingly.
Lead new development material testing and alignment to quality and manufacturing standards of Scout Motors.
Assess surrogate data to predict risk for new materials
Manage resources efficiently including infrastructure, financial, supplier partners and people.
Be a key member and decision maker within the technical leadership team and liaison with all Scout functions.

Location & Travel Expectations:

This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan with transition to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The responsibilities of this role require 4 days 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.

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 degree in material engineering, chemical engineering or equivalent engineering degree from an ABET accredited university. 
5-8+ years of experience in material engineering and relevant automotive assignments. Including all three phases of product development (design, test and launch).
Strong technical skills and expertise in plastics engineering, applicable to the interior and exterior of the vehicle, coupled with a 1st principles approach to problem solving.
Strong technical skills and expertise in A-surface materials throughout the vehicle including leather, artificial leathers, fabric, carpet, paint, films, MIC, veneers, etc. 
Familiarity with local material supply chain.
Ability to manage timelines for delivery of new materials on production timeline.
An ability to build strong working relationships with people across all organizational levels.
Ability to work collaboratively within, and across departments of the company, including engineering, design, and purchasing teams. 
Strong communication skills.

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

CA initial base salary range= $121,000 - $148,500

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.