Senior Automation Engineer Jobs in Sumter, SC (NOW HIRING)

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:

• Own the end-to-end vehicle commissioning systems in manufacturing, including EOL diagnostics, ECU flashing, and vehicle configuration
• Develop and integrate software tools, scripts, and backend services supporting commissioning systems across factory environments
• Integrate vehicle E/E architecture and diagnostics (UDS, CAN, LIN, Ethernet) into production and test processes
• Drive commissioning system readiness for pre-series builds and SOP ramp-up, ensuring stability and performance in production
• Perform software updates, configuration changes, and system releases with minimal impact to production uptime
• Identify risks in production processes and implement robust countermeasures to protect throughput and system reliability
• Define and execute validation strategies for commissioning tools to ensure production readiness before release
• Improve EOL cycle time, flashing stability, and system uptime across vehicle variants
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Vehicle E/E, IT, shopfloor systems, and external partners to deliver scalable commissioning solutions
• Contribute to the technical roadmap and architecture of commissioning systems and supporting infrastructure

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina
• 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 Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automotive Engineering, or similar field (Master's preferred). An equivalent amount of relevant work experience may be considered
• 8+ years of experience in automotive engineering, manufacturing systems, or vehicle diagnostics
• Strong understanding of vehicle E/E architecture, ECU software stacks, and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet)
• Experience with UDS diagnostics (ISO 14229) and integrating diagnostics into production systems
• Hands-on experience developing software tools, backend services, or automation solutions (e.g., Python, C#, C++, Java)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, system integration, and DevOps-based workflows
• Proven ability to troubleshoot vehicle systems, software tools, and production issues in real-world environments
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across engineering, IT, and manufacturing teams
• Experience working in pre-series or production ramp-up environments is highly valued

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: IC8
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.