Specialist, Hardware & Software Variant Management

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: • Support the management and maintenance of the hardware and software variant landscape across Scout vehicle programs. • Define and maintain part variant status, ensuring consistency across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and aftersales • Develop and govern buildable vehicle combinations, ensuring feasibility across all configurations and lifecycle stages • Support definition and implementation of software and OTA variant concepts and associated configuration processes. • Manage complexity over time and align with overall project lifecycle strategy (introduction, consolidation, phase-out) for variants • Define, track, and report complexity KPIs (e.g. number of variants, combinatorics, cost impact, manufacturing feasibility) • Participate in the development, implementation, and enhancement of software tools used to assess and report variant complexity. • Ensure data transparency and consistency of variants across all affected systems (PLM, ERP, software configuration management, OTA platforms) • Support established governance processes and facilitate cross-functional alignment on variant decisions. • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product management, purchasing, manufacturing, IT, and finance to ensure alignment on variant strategy and execution • Analyze complexity drivers and provide recommendations regarding product differentiation, cost, and operational efficiency. • Support product definition and release processes by ensuring variant readiness and integrity at key milestones • Manage internal and external stakeholders involved in variant definition, configuration logic, and system integration • Serve as a key resource for variant-related topics within assigned vehicle programs and cross-functional teams. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce unnecessary complexity while maintaining customer value 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. Hybrid work is possible with limited flexibility per week. • 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. • Travel: Applicants should expect occasional domestic and international travel. Valid driver's license required. Passport required. 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: • 4+ years of professional experience in automotive product management, vehicle configuration, systems engineering, or related fields • Strong experience with vehicle variants, product configuration, or complexity management (hardware and/or software) • Solid understanding of E/E architecture, software configuration, and OTA concepts • Experience defining and managing buildable combinations and configuration rules • Proven experience working with PLM, ERP, or configuration management systems • Experience in defining and tracking KPIs related to product complexity and variant management • Exposure to or experience in developing or implementing software tools for data analysis, configuration, or reporting • Strong analytical and structured thinking skills with the ability to handle highly complex datasets and interdependencies • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to align stakeholders across multiple domains • Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to identify trade-offs between complexity, cost, and customer value • Excellent communication and presentation skills • Experience in automotive program development from concept to production is a plus • German language skills are a plus 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 competit