Senior Body Closures DRE

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 is building the next generation of safe, affordable, and customizable vehicles—challenging conventional automotive design and manufacturing models. We are looking for a Sr. Body Closures Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) to join our growing engineering team and play a key role in delivering innovative, high-quality vehicle systems.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

As a Body Closures DRE at Slate, you will be an integral member of a fast-paced, collaborative engineering team responsible for the design and development of vehicle body closures and related assemblies. You will own components from concept through production, ensuring all technical, cost, and timing targets are met.

• Lead the design and development of body closures and closure assemblies, including doors, hoods, liftgates, and associated mechanisms.

• Define and execute functional objectives to meet vehicle performance, quality, cost, mass, and timing targets.

• Own exterior component development activities from concept through launch, ensuring manufacturability and production readiness.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional internal teams, external partners, and suppliers to meet all program requirements.

• Ensure designs comply with applicable NHTSA and FMVSS regulations related to body closures.

• Support design reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the development cycle.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.

• 5+ years of vehicle design experience with a focus on body closures and mechanisms.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including injection molding, die casting, and stampings.

• Broad knowledge of NHTSA / FMVSS requirements applicable to body closures.

• Proven communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.

• Ability and desire to work in a fun, fast-paced, and innovative environment.

• Hands-on mindset with strong problem-solving skills.

• Experience working directly with suppliers and external engineering partners.

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

slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.