Engineering Quality Lead – Body Exterior Systems

Location: Troy, Michigan

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

SLATE seeks an accomplished Engineering Quality Lead for Exterior Systems to join our growing team. This is a hands-on leadership role accountable for delivering exceptional customer quality across the engineering, design, validation, and manufacturing of these Body systems.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. We are currently unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop and implement engineering quality strategies for Body Systems to achieve best-in-class customer satisfaction.

• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) to ensure designs meet safety, functional, and customer requirements.

• Drive the development of DFMEAs and DVPs; define validation approaches aligned to DFMEA/PFMEA risks; and lead root-cause analysis and issue resolution.

• Manage issue identification, prioritization, visualization, and resolution across technical teams.

• Define quality requirements, oversee quality maturity management, and validate functions and systems.

• Support the planning, execution, and evaluation of test fleet and high-mileage vehicle programs.

• Mentor team members, foster a culture of continuous learning, and develop the capabilities of the Technical Quality organization.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Vehicle, or related discipline)

• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Six Sigma (IDDOV/DMAIC) and/or Structured Problem Solving is preferred

Experience

• 10–15+ years in automotive engineering or product quality, with direct experience in Body Systems

• Deep technical knowledge of product and vehicle design, development, and manufacturing for Body Exterior Systems.

• Direct experience with Thermoplastic and composite component design and development.

• Structural adhesive and bonding application experience.

• Demonstrated success launching new programs on time while meeting quality and program metrics

• Working knowledge of NHTSA FMVSS requirements and CAE methods applied to safety, NVH, and durability optimization

Skills

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams with clear communication and confident, results-oriented decision-making

• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in parallel

• Advanced proficiency in product assessment, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis methodologies (Six Sigma, DFSS, Red X, or equivalent)

• High integrity with a disciplined, data-driven approach to quality decisions

• Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced, start-up environment

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

• Safety First

• Delight Customers

• One Team

• Relentless Improvement

• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy

• Respectful Collaboration

• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at

[email protected].