Senior Thermal CAE Specialist

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 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 environment by developing electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location. 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. And 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.

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!

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Thermal Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in thermal management, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and system simulation, particularly in automotive applications such as high voltage batteries, HVAC systems, and electric vehicle (EV) platforms. The role involves cross-functional collaboration, simulation analysis, and validation to enhance thermal performance and efficiency of our products.

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:

• Lead CFD simulations to analyze thermal efficiency, pressure drops, and flow dynamics in automotive components such as cooling plates, drive units, and battery packs.
• Collaborate with product development teams to design, optimize, and validate thermal architectures for electric vehicles.
• Work closely with offshore teams to manage simulation processes, including model setup, execution, and results analysis, ensuring compliance with performance and quality standards.
• Provide insights from digital twin simulations to guide the design and development of next-generation cooling systems and heat exchangers for electric vehicles.
• Document technical results from simulations and develop comprehensive reports for design improvements and validation processes.
• Support testing and validation of thermal components.
• Develop technical documentation for CFD analysis and simulation results, providing insights for design improvements.
• Interface with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and product design, to resolve issues and improve system performance.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan. 
• The responsibilities of this role require 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: 

• Master's or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Eight or more years of proven experience in leading CFD simulations for automotive applications, including HVAC systems, high-voltage batteries, and heat pump technology.
• Strong proficiency in CFD software such as Simlab, Hyperworks, StarCCM+, etc.
• In-depth understanding of thermal systems engineering, including heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Familiarity with industry-standard CAD tools such as CATIA and Pro E.
• Experience in collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to develop cost-effective solutions for thermal management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in cross-functional environments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with experience mentoring team members.

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 = $140,000.00 - $160,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8

Notice to applicants:

• 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.

Notice to applicants:

• 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 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 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.