Intern, Government Affairs (Legal)

Here at Scout Motors, we're 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, it’s 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 hasn’t 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 you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history: a vehicle dating back to 1960 that forged the path for generations of rugged SUVs and trucks. But Scout is more than a brand; it’s a legacy rooted in exploration, caretaking, respect, and hard work. 

As an intern, you’ll join teams dedicated to honoring that legacy the right way: 

• Respect for the past and future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t 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 work and play with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. 

• Respect for 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. 

 

Scout Motors Internship Program 

We will provide aspiring professionals with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams. Undergraduate Interns will immerse themselves in the rugged SUVs and trucks landscape, gaining exposure to the latest trends, technologies, and market dynamics. Interns will be assigned meaningful projects aligned with Scout’s goals. These projects will challenge interns to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering problem-solving skills and creativity while working under the mentorship of our leaders. 

This program is designed for current undergraduate students who live in our local market. Please note that no housing stipend is provided.  

2026 Internship Program Overview 

• Schedule: The program is anticipated to run mid-May to mid-August 2026 
• Duration: Our internship program runs approximately 12 weeks, with the official end date varying dependent upon student needs and the start of respective Fall academic calendars 
• Transportation + Housing: our Interns will be responsible for providing their own housing and transportation 

Important Notes:  

• Scout Motors will not provide relocation or sponsorship as part of our Internship program 
• Deadline: Applications for the Summer 2026 program must be received no later than February 27, 2026.  
• High preference for currently enrolled Bachelors degree students

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role is on-site, and will be based out of our Scout Motors location in Columbia, SC.
• The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. 

Housing & Sponsorship: 

• Scout Motors does not provide visa sponsorship or housing assistance for internship positions.

About the team

The State Government Affairs & Legal Intern will support Scout Motors’ state-level advocacy, regulatory strategy, and legal research related to direct-to-consumer vehicle sales, licensing, service, and emerging EV policy. This role offers hands-on exposure to real-time legislative activity, regulatory processes, and corporate legal strategy at a fast-growing automotive company. 

This is an ideal opportunity for students interested in law, public policy, government affairs, regulatory compliance, or corporate strategy. 

Daily Responsibilities of the Internship Program include

•  Legislative & Policy Research 
• Track state legislation and regulatory activity impacting: 
  • Direct-to-consumer vehicle sales 
  • Automotive regulations 
  • Automotive policy, infrastructure, and consumer protection
• Prepare concise policy summaries, bill analyses, and comparison tables for internal stakeholders. 
• Monitor state legislative sessions and regulatory dockets across priority Scout markets. 
• Assist with legal research on state statutes, administrative rules, and constitutional issues related to automotive sales and commerce. 
• Draft background memos, talking points, and legislator leave-behind materials. 
• Support special projects tied to state expansion, market entry, or policy risk mitigation. 
• Attend events on behalf of Scout Motors and provide summaries to the team. 

What you’ll bring 

As a Scout, you live our values through your actions every day: 

• Lead with Respect – You listen well, communicate with care, and treat everyone with dignity. 
• Move with Intent – You act with purpose, stay focused, and bring discipline to your work. 
• Figure It Out – You’re curious, resourceful, and resilient when facing challenges or ambiguity. 
• Go Together – You collaborate naturally, build strong relationships, and help the team succeed as one. 
• Step Up – You take initiative, embrace responsibility, and lean into opportunities to contribute. 
• Make It Matter – You take pride in the details, deliver quality, and aim for meaningful impact. 
• Enjoy It – You bring positivity, enthusiasm, and energy that makes the workday better for everyone. 

In addition to living our Scout values, you’ll also bring: 

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for Political Science, law, or a similar field 
• Must be able to work from Columbia, SC from mid-May to mid-August 2026.
• Strong interest in electric vehicles, automotive engineering, and sustainable transportation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive and results-driven mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and project management tools is preferred.

What you'll gain

• Get a head-start into your career with hands-on experience in the one of the fastest-growing industries- electric vehicles
• Work hand-in-hand with talented professionals, tackling innovative projects to help bring a best-in-class electric vehicle to market
• Make an impact on legacy product that will revolutionize the EV industry
• Improve your abilities and broaden your knowledge base in the automotive industry

Pay Transparency

This is a paid internship program.

Hourly pay rate = $18.00 per hour

Internal leveling code: i0

Notice to applicants:

• 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 in Los 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 in New 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, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice 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 ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.