Lead, Engineering Fleet Operations

What youll do

At Scout Motors, you don't just design vehicles- you shape the future of the road. Our Engineering team is where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, building machines that are as durable and capable as the people who drive them. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with brilliant minds across disciplines, turning complex challenges into elegant, scalable solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and user experience. This is a place where your fingerprints are found on metal where what you design gets built, driven, and remembered. If you're hungry to engineer something that matters, Scout Motors is where that ambition finds its highest gear.

The Engineering Fleet Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the engineering vehicle fleet. This includes vehicle receiving and handover, logistics coordination, benchmark vehicle management, and full ownership of import/export documentation. The role ensures vehicles are properly tracked, compliant, and available to support engineering, testing, and validation activities.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Fleet Operations Execution

• Own daily operations of the engineering fleet across all locations with full accountability for performance and readiness
• Maintain real-time visibility of vehicle status (location, configuration, readiness, compliance)
• Ensure fleet availability aligns with engineering, test, and validation timelines
• Diagnose and resolve complex operational issues independently, balancing competing priorities
• Serve as the primary escalation point and trusted expert for fleet-related matters

Vehicle Receiving & Handover

• Lead vehicle intake and release processes for prototype, pre-series, and external vehicles
• Define and enforce standardized check-in/check-out procedures, including condition documentation
• Ensure vehicles meet configuration, documentation, and readiness requirements prior to handover
• Coordinate and optimize internal handovers between engineering, validation, test, and events teams

Benchmark Vehicle Management

• Own the lifecycle management of benchmark and competitor vehicles
• Coordinate acquisition, registration, compliance, and tracking
• Prioritize and allocate fleet usage to maximize engineering value and insights
• Ensure proper storage, maintenance, and documentation standards are met
• Monitor utilization trends and recommend improvements to optimize fleet effectiveness

Logistics & Vehicle Movement

• Strategically plan and execute domestic and international vehicle transportation
• Oversee logistics providers across road, ocean, and air freight channels
• Manage time-critical and high-priority shipments supporting engineering milestones and test campaigns
• Optimize transport routes, cost, and timing while mitigating operational risks

Import / Export & Compliance

• Own end-to-end import/export processes for all engineering vehicles
• Apply expert knowledge to prepare and manage complex customs documentation (e.g., carnets, temporary imports, exemptions)
• Ensure full regulatory compliance across regions and proactively address changing requirements
• Partner with customs brokers, legal, and compliance teams to resolve escalations quickly and effectively

Documentation & Tracking

• Maintain accurate records of vehicle status, movement, and ownership
• Track VINs, prototype IDs, and regulatory status
• Ensure all vehicles have proper documentation (insurance, permits, test approvals)

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, V&V, Prototype Builds, Logistics, and Procurement
• Interface with external proving grounds, test agencies, and transport partners
• Support test campaigns (e.g., winter testing, ride & drive events)

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or Novi, Michigan.
• 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 youll bring

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. Youll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Youll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Logistics, or Operations
• 12+ years of experience in fleet operations, automotive logistics, or prototype vehicle management
• Strong experience with vehicle logistics, shipping, and customs processes
• Hands-on experience with vehicle handling in an engineering or test environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in prototype / pre-series vehicle environments
• Familiarity with import/export regulations (EU, US, or global automotive logistics)
• Experience managing benchmark fleets or competitor vehicles
• Knowledge of automotive compliance and homologation basics
• Highly execution-focused with strong ownership mindset
• Structured and detail-oriented (especially documentation & compliance)
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management
• Ability to work under time pressure and resolve operational issues quickly
• Pragmatic, hands-on approach with get it done mentality

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 = 160,000.00 - $192,500.00

Internal leveling code: IC7