Test Locations and Proving Grounds Specialist

Position Overview:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Test Locations & Proving Grounds Specialist to lead all activities related to the identification, evaluation, coordination, and contracting of vehicle test sites used by the engineering team. This role is critical in enabling timely, cost-effective, and technically suitable vehicle-level testing by securing access to relevant proving grounds and road test locations across domestic and international markets.

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:

Test Site Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with engineering and validation teams to understand testing needs (e.g., durability, EMC, environmental, ADAS, NVH, extreme climate) and identify suitable test locations.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of test sites, including technical capabilities, availability, costs, and usage history.
• Align site bookings with program schedules and seasonal test windows, ensuring early planning and risk mitigation.

Vendor Engagement & Site Evaluation

• Identify and assess new proving grounds and test partners for technical fit, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
• Conduct or support site audits and provide recommendations for new vendor onboarding.
• Act as the primary contact for test site operators and support partners.

Contracting & Logistics Coordination

• Lead contract initiation, negotiation, and coordination with legal and procurement teams.
• Oversee insurance documentation, safety agreements, NDAs, and budget tracking for each test location.
• Coordinate logistics for engineering teams: site access, vehicle transport, workspace setup, equipment needs, and local support.

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement

• Gather structured feedback from test teams on site quality, support, and issue handling.
• Track KPIs (utilization, spend efficiency, incident rates) and maintain documentation to improve future site planning and selection.
• Implement improvements in site sourcing, scheduling, and operational efficiency.

 

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 across the United States and Europe to support test site visits, audits, and field test operations.
• Travel: Domestic and international 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: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience in automotive testing operations.
• 4+ years of experience supporting vehicle validation, engineering logistics, or test operations (OEM or Tier 1 preferred).
• Strong knowledge of vehicle testing environments and proving grounds, including test types (durability, EMC, ADAS, NVH, thermal, etc.).
• Proven experience in vendor coordination, contract negotiation, and operational planning.
• Must have hands-on experience using JIRA for issue tracking and coordination.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple contracts, sites, and program needs in parallel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and collaboration/project tools (e.g., Confluence, Smartsheet).
• Full flexibility to travel throughout the United States and Europe to support test site visits, audits, and field test operations.
• Passport required.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience coordinating testing at major proving grounds
• Familiarity with vehicle validation processes for EVs, autonomous systems, or software-defined vehicles.
• Understanding of site safety protocols, insurance requirements, and legal considerations related to testing contracts.
• Ability to support time-sensitive vehicle programs with shifting priorities.
• German language skills are preferred for collaboration with European engineering teams and suppliers.

 

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 = $120,000.00 - $135,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9