Vice President, Verification & Validation

What you’ll do

As Vice President, Verification & Validation, you will lead the transformation from document-centric V&V to an AI-enabled, model-based continuous validation ecosystem leveraging digital twins, fleet data, and an end-to-end digital thread. You will define and drive the enterprise strategy for verification and validation across vehicle systems, ensuring safety, compliance, robustness, and speed of execution across the full product lifecycle. This strategic leadership role requires deep expertise in automotive engineering, MBSE, SysML v2, requirements traceability end-to-end, AI-enabled validation methods, and data-driven decision-making, combined with exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills. 

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

• Develop and execute a forward-looking verification and validation strategy that drives the shift from document-centric processes to AI-enabled, model-based continuous validation. 
• Build and lead a high-performing V&V organization across systems, software, hardware, and vehicle integration, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and operational rigor in support of software-defined vehicle (SDV) development. 
• Establish and scale validation frameworks leveraging digital twins, simulation, virtual verification, HiL/SiL/MiL, CI/CD validation pipelines, automated regression testing, and fleet data analytics to enable earlier defect detection and continuous learning. 
• Partner closely with systems engineering, software, hardware, product, manufacturing, and quality teams to define validation requirements and ensure end-to-end requirements traceability through a robust digital thread across the development lifecycle. 
• Drive adoption of MBSE, SysML v2, digital thread practices, requirements traceability (e2e), test automation, scenario-based validation, and AI-assisted test generation to improve validation coverage, speed, and quality. 
• Leverage connected vehicle and field performance data to enable closed-loop validation, AI-based coverage analysis, machine learning for defect prediction, and data-driven prioritization of validation activities. 
• Champion the use of GenAI for requirements review and test review, increasing consistency, completeness, and efficiency across validation workflows. 
• Ensure compliance with automotive safety, cybersecurity, and quality standards, including ISO 26262 and SOTIF, and lead safety case development to support validation readiness, release decisions, and risk management. 
• Lead strategic investments in tools, methods, and digital infrastructure that support scalable validation platforms, cloud-based simulation, and enterprise-wide validation analytics. 
• Manage resources, budgets, and development timelines to ensure efficient execution and timely delivery of validation milestones. 
• Communicate clearly with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, providing actionable insights, progress updates, and strategic recommendations on validation maturity and vehicle readiness. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors location in Charlotte, NC.
• The responsibilities of this role require 4-5 days 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.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel required. 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:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. 
• 15+ years of experience in automotive engineering, including senior leadership responsibility in verification and validation of complex vehicle systems, software-defined vehicles, and/or electric vehicles. 
• Proven track record of transforming validation organizations, processes, and toolchains toward model-based, software-centric, AI-enabled, and data-driven approaches. 
• Deep expertise in MBSE, SysML v2, digital thread, digital twin, continuous validation, virtual verification, simulation environments, and test automation frameworks. 
• Strong knowledge of requirements traceability (end-to-end), HiL, SiL, MiL, scenario-based testing, CI/CD validation, automated regression testing, and validation toolchains across hardware, software, and systems integration. 
• Experience leveraging fleet data, telemetry, connected vehicle data, AI-assisted test generation, AI-based coverage analysis, machine learning for defect prediction, and GenAI for requirements and test review. 
• Strong understanding of automotive safety, cybersecurity, regulatory, and quality standards, including ISO 26262, SOTIF, and safety case development in modern validation organizations. 
• Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing technical teams, driving cross-functional alignment, and influencing executive stakeholders. 
• Strategic mindset with the ability to define long-term roadmaps, prioritize investments, and scale digital validation capabilities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical issues into clear decisions and actions. 

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:
  • 25 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
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for up to 2 assigned vehicles
  • A mobility stipend

Pay Transparency

Initial base salary range = $280,000 -$340,000

Internal leveling code: E4