Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

About the team

Support the upkeep and repair of automated equipment, including PLCs and robotics, by troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and software issues to ensure smooth operation and reduce downtime.

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:

• Support Technical Center Workshop activities related to vehicle build, rework, validation, and troubleshooting across vehicle systems, including interior, exterior, chassis, suspension, electrical, and energy systems. 
• Perform hands-on vehicle assembly and disassembly, including installation and removal of interior trim, exterior components, chassis hardware, suspension systems, high-voltage (HV) components, and related vehicle systems. 
• Support prototype, pre-series, and development vehicle builds through assembly, rework, fit-and-finish validation, issue resolution, and build readiness activities. 
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, chassis, and energy-system-related concerns using established procedures and diagnostic tools. 
• Perform root cause analysis for reported vehicle issues and document findings, corrective actions, and recommendations in designated systems. 
• Service and repair chassis systems including suspension, steering, braking, alignment, and underbody components. 
• Troubleshoot ride, handling, vibration, noise, and performance concerns and support validation activities to verify corrective actions. 
• Perform installation, removal, inspection, and rework of high-voltage battery systems, electric drive units, inverters, charging components, thermal management systems, and associated wiring. 
• Execute HV safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), isolation verification, and safe handling of high-voltage systems and components. 
• Utilize OEM diagnostic and service tools to analyze faults, perform software updates, support system calibrations, and verify repairs. 
• Support installation and removal of vehicle measurement equipment, diagnostic tools, data acquisition systems, loggers, and test instrumentation. 
• Support ADAS calibration activities where applicable, including alignment-related sensor calibrations. 
• Read, interpret, and follow service procedures, assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, alignment specifications, HV safety documentation, and hardware retrofit instructions. 
• Maintain accurate vehicle records by documenting diagnostics, repairs, software updates, rework activities, and validation results in designated systems. 
• Perform short functional, validation, and verification drives to confirm repairs, updates, system performance, and vehicle readiness. 
• Support production line builds and manufacturing activities, including vehicle assembly, rework, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives as needed. 
• Support training and onboarding of new team members on workshop procedures, diagnostics, safety practices, documentation requirements, and troubleshooting methods. 
• Participate in daily workshop team meetings and maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work environment. 
• Collaborate closely with engineering, validation, manufacturing, and test teams to support vehicle development, build readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Location & Travel

• In-Person Attendance: Daily
• Location: Blythewood, SC
• Travel: Applicants should expect that the role may require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and be able to travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time. 

We expect all Scouts 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:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification, vocational training, or equivalent automotive experience preferred. 
• 3+ years of professional experience in automotive assembly, vehicle service, prototype builds, manufacturing, or technical workshop environments. 
• Hands-on experience working with vehicle mechanical, electrical, chassis, suspension, and/or high-voltage systems. 
• Experience diagnosing and repairing vehicle systems using diagnostic equipment, service information, and technical documentation. 
• Ability to read and follow service procedures, assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, alignment specifications, and retrofit documentation. 
• Experience performing vehicle assembly, rework, troubleshooting, and validation activities. 
• Understanding of high-voltage safety practices and electrical troubleshooting principles. 
• Experience using OEM diagnostic tools and electronic service systems. 
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate vehicles for functional verification and testing. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. 

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
  • Planned and unplanned PTO
  • Company holidays
  • 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

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a normal schedule of 40 hours per week, depending on the needs of the business. As a non-exempt employee, you are eligible for overtime compensation consistent with applicable law and company policies. This position is eligible to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final pay rate 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.

• Competitive hourly wages (dependent on assessed skills and experience): $26.44-$33.65 starting hourly rate.
• Earn an additional $0.75 per hour after 6 months of employment.

Internal leveling code: T2