Scout Is Scouting Laid Off Rivian Employees

- Scout Motors currently has 133 job vacancies at a handful of facilities in the US.
- Most of the companyβs jobs are in Columbia, South Carolina, where its factory will be.
- Several jobs are also available at the carmakerβs innovation center in Novi, Michigan.
As Rivian prepares to kick off production of its more affordable R2 series next year, it is making some tough staffing decisions . More than 100 salaried employees at its Normal, Illinois, facility are being let go, with most of the cuts affecting the manufacturing team.
While the layoffs are part of the companyβs broader effort to streamline operations, the news has opened the door for another electric vehicle startup to step in. Scout Motors, a new EV brand launched by Volkswagen in the US market, is taking advantage of the opportunity. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, it is actively courting the newly displaced talent.
As Autoblog noticed, shortly after the layoffs were announced, Scout Motorsβ head of logistics, Jacopo Marzetti, took to LinkedIn to express support for the affected Rivian workers, encouraging them to consider applying for positions at Scout. While Rivian hasnβt disclosed the exact number of job cuts, TechCrunch reports that around 140 positions are being eliminated and can, therefore, apply for a job at Scout.
Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV
According to Rivian, the layoffs are being made βas part of an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiency for R2.β Crainβs Chicago Business adds that βaffected employees are eligible for rehire and encouraged to apply to other open positions within Rivian.β
A look at Scout Motorsβ career page reveals it has 133 current vacancies. Some of these positions are crucial in engineering, focusing on body systems, drive systems, and energy systems. Itβs also seeking vehicle software and electrical engineering staff, as well as specialists in logistics.

Most of the positions are in Columbia, South Carolina, the location of Scoutβs forthcoming factory. There are also several positions available in Fremont, California, as well as at the brandβs innovation center in Novi, Michigan.
Shared DNA, but Key Differences
Former Rivian employees will bring valuable expertise to the Scout brand. Just like Rivian did, Scout is launching with an electric pickup and an electric SUV. However, the VW-owned brand is also readying range-extended models, something that Rivian doesnβt do. Even so, like Rivian, Scoutβs models promise to be rugged and perfect for those with an adventurous spirit.
A key differentiator will be price. The Scout models will be priced from as low as $50,000 after incentives. By comparison, the Rivian R1T and R1S start at $69,900 and $75,900, respectively.











