CMF Designer

About the Role

Slate is looking for a creative, experienced CMF Automotive Designer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience, a keen eye for color, grain, gloss, texture, palettes, material trends, and sustainability, as well as excellent communication and project management skills.

You will create attractive, functional, feasible, and cost-conscious CMF strategies for interiors and exteriors of our products, ensuring they align with our brand DNA and target markets. This role involves both conceptual and production programs, working with a talented team on an impactful project.

Responsibilities

• CMF design activities for both interior and exterior projects across all vehicles.
• Create mood boards, color palettes, material samples, and pitch decks for in-person and virtual presentations.
• Define and implement materials, finishes, textures, and colors for production and conceptual programs.
• Research and analyze color and materials trends in automotive and consumer markets to develop trend forecasting, identifying opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
• Source new materials to maintain innovation within the CMF library.
• Research and connect with suppliers to bring your design vision to life.
• Create innovative patterns and graphics that help define the brand’s identity.
• Manage appearance development and approval processes with suppliers and/or tiers while maintaining design intent (Material Mastering Required).
• Follow systems for maintaining, storing, and distributing master samples.
• Understand automotive specifications and performance requirements of finishes.
• Develop creative finish solutions that maintain appearance while minimizing cost.
• Provide charts outlining clear Color and Materials production development letters for production builds.
• Ensure design quality and quality control of finishes in all phases of production to maintain design intent.

Requirements

• BA or BS Degree in Color and Material Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Textile Design, or equivalent professional experience with a strong portfolio.
• Minimum of 5 years of similar or related experience.
• Proficiency with design tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite, Keyshot (or equivalent 3D/2D rendering programs like Alias, VRED, Maya, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective presentations.
• Ability to consistently deliver high-quality work efficiently.
• Experience managing multiple activities with potential pivots, demonstrated through previous production programs.
• Capability to work cross-functionally with internal teams (Design, Brand, Engineering, Commercial, Purchasing) and external partners (suppliers, vendors).
• Ability to meet deliverables based on milestones and deadlines.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis (no visa sponsorship available).

Skills

• Strong CMF design skills with a focus on color, materials, and finishes.
• Ability to create compelling inspiration boards and focused program palettes.
• Upbeat, self-motivated, and organized with a low ego and strong willingness to support the team.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, startup environment with flexible hours and potential coast-to-coast schedules.
• Agile and adaptable to rapid changes in an automotive design setting.

Pay

Base Pay Range (Annual): $96,333.00 - $144,499.00

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Vacation and 401k.
• Eligibility to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to program rules.

About Slate

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

Our culture is fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The startup spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness drives our business forward. Team Slate values excellence, innovation, mutual respect, and is guided by shared principles:

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on 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, or life experiences.