R&D Auto Technician (Assembly) in Columbia, South Carolina at BERTRANDT SERVICES LLC

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the all-electric pickup truck and rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Key Responsibilities

Vehicle Build & Integration

• Support Technical Center Workshop activities related to vehicle build, rework, and validation with a focus on all Assembly operations.
• Independently perform vehicle assembly, disassembly, modification, and rework activities on prototype, pre-production, and development vehicles.
• Install, fabricate, modify, and adapt components and systems when standard work instructions or service procedures are unavailable.
• Support integration of engineering development parts, prototypes, test equipment, and experimental hardware.
• Perform vehicle builds requiring a combination of mechanical, electrical, chassis, and energy system expertise.
• Develop practical installation solutions while maintaining engineering intent, safety requirements, and build quality.
  

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• Independently diagnose complex vehicle issues using systematic troubleshooting techniques and root cause analysis.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve mechanical, electrical, software, integration, and vehicle performance concerns.
• Utilize diagnostic tools, test equipment, vehicle network analysis tools, and engineering data to determine root causes.
• Troubleshoot vehicle systems with limited documentation or engineering guidance.
• Provide detailed feedback and technical recommendations to engineering teams.

Mechanical & Chassis Systems

• Diagnose, repair, and modify suspension, steering, braking, structural, and underbody systems.
• Perform wheel alignments, chassis setup changes, component replacement, and ride/handling evaluations.
• Support prototype testing activities and validate corrective actions through functional evaluations.

Electrical & Energy Systems

• Install, diagnose, repair, and validate low-voltage and high-voltage vehicle systems.
• Support work involving batteries, power electronics, drive units, charging systems, thermal management systems, sensors, and vehicle communication networks.
• Perform high-voltage safety procedures, isolation activities, and lockout/tagout practices when applicable.
• Utilize diagnostic software and OEM tools to analyze faults, perform calibrations, and support software updates.
  

Testing & Validation Support

• Install and remove instrumentation, measurement systems, data acquisition hardware, and test equipment.
• Conduct validation drives and functional checks to verify repairs, modifications, and engineering changes.
• Support engineering investigations by collecting data, documenting observations, and recommending corrective actions.
• Assist with vehicle readiness for test events, engineering reviews, and development milestones.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Accurately document diagnostics, repairs, modifications, rework actions, and engineering observations.
• Create and improve work procedures, best practices, and build documentation when gaps are identified.
• Support knowledge transfer and training of other technicians as needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to increase workshop efficiency, quality, and safety.

Location & Travel Expectations

The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance at in-person meetings and hands-on workshop activities. The role will be based at a Scout Motors Production Technical Center location in Blythewood, South Carolina. Occasional travel may be required to support vehicle builds, test events, or company activities.

What you’ll bring

We expect all Scouts to demonstrate integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and a positive, growth-oriented mindset. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals. In addition, you’ll bring:

• 5+ years of hands-on automotive technician experience in prototype, engineering, motor sports, advanced manufacturing, or vehicle development environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills across multiple vehicle systems.
• Experience performing custom installations, modifications, and prototype development work.
• Broad understanding of mechanical, electrical, chassis, and vehicle integration systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, service information, CAD illustrations, and technical documentation.
• Experience using diagnostic scan tools, electrical test equipment, and measurement devices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments in a dynamic environment with changing requirements.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate development vehicles for functional verification and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

A successful candidate may also have:

• Experience supporting prototype, concept, pre-production, or engineering development vehicles.
• High-voltage vehicle certification or EV safety training.
• ASE certifications or equivalent technical certifications.
• Experience with vehicle communication networks including CAN, LIN, and Ethernet.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and vehicle testing.
• Experience with ADAS systems, calibration activities, and vehicle integration.
• Fabrication, machining, welding, or custom modification experience.
• Experience supporting engineering teams in a vehicle development environment.

The ideal candidate:

• Is a self-starter who proactively identifies problems and develops solutions without waiting for direction.
• Thrives in situations where procedures do not yet exist.
• Can translate engineering concepts into successful hands-on vehicle installations.
• Balances creativity and innovation with safety and quality requirements.
• Comfortable making technical decisions and recommendations based on experience and evidence.
• Possesses strong ownership mentality and accountability for vehicle readiness and build quality.
• Communicates effectively with engineers, technicians, and leadership teams.
• Demonstrates curiosity, resourcefulness, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset.