Enter a job title or keyword

Lead Engineer, Battery Cell

Scout Motors


Job Location:

Novi, MI - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 160000 - 192500
Posted: 9 October 2026 (3 days ago)
Application Deadline: 6 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Here at Scout Motors were 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 its 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 hasnt 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 youre ready to drive change and make history apply now!

What youll do

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

  • Coordinate battery cell engineering activities between Scout Volkswagen Group and battery cell suppliers
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for lithium-ion battery cell technologies at Scout.
  • Provide on site Scout support at cell supplier facilities at critical milestone events
  • Develop battery cell technical requirements aligned to vehicle performance durability and safety requirements.
  • Work with R&D and cell suppliers to develop advanced battery cells optimizing for performance energy density and lifespan while considering manufacturability and cost-effectiveness
  • Work closely with suppliers and research teams to evaluate and select appropriate materials for cathodes anodes electrolytes and separators to improve cell performance and safety.
  • Oversee the prototyping and testing of battery cells including performance characterization cycle life testing and safety assessments.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams including battery pack engineers electrical engineers and systems engineers to integrate battery cells into complete energy storage systems to support vehicle performance and durability.
  • Support lithium-ion battery cell technical evaluations.
  • Monitor cell supplier development activities and qualification processes
  • Lead / Support technical discussions regarding cell design changes and problem resolution
  • Support integration of cells into modules and battery packs
  • Work with BMS thermal mechanical safety and vehicle integration teams
  • Provide technical expertise for compliance testing and certification processes.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends emerging technologies and best practices to drive innovation in battery cell technology.

Location & Travel Expectations:

  • This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location inNovi 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 companyfrom 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. Heres what else youll bring:

  • Masters degree in Chemical Engineering Materials Science Electrical Engineering or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
  • 12 years of experience in lithium-ion battery cell design and development for automotive applications.
  • Proven experience leading lithium-ion battery cell development programs from concept through production launch
  • Knowledge of Volkswagen group battery cell development and release processes.
  • Strong understanding of battery testing validation methodologies and performance characterization techniques
  • Understanding of battery cell manufacturing processes and quality control methods
  • Knowledge of automotive battery regulations and standards including FMVSS 305 UNECE R100 UN 38.3 IEC and UL standards.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a dynamic collaborative environment.
  • Ability to be self-sufficient with minimal direction to meet deliverables.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to interface with colleagues and suppliers around the world
  • Willingness to support frequent travel domestically and internationally to supplier and development locations including Germany and Korea. Valid passport & drivers license required.
What youll 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 candidates skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range $160000.00 - $192500.00

Internal leveling code: IC7

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 inLos 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 inNew 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 pregnancyor anyother characteristicsprotected by law.Scout Motors is committed to compliance with allapplicablefairemploymentpractice 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


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

Company Logo

We're designing, engineering, and building the next generation of electric trucks and rugged SUVs for the doers, makers, and explorers. The new Scout® Traveler™ and Terra™ models are here, born from the original legend, retooled for a new era.

View Profile View Profile