Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing

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.

Work Authorization Requirement: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

About the role

The Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing will play a critical role in optimizing processes, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and supporting new product launches, while ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets are consistently met. Above all, we want someone who is passionate about driving process excellence, building capability in others, and shaping the culture of a new manufacturing organization. This role is a unique opportunity to help build and refine world-class manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize the Slate Production System (SPS).
• Analyze, design, and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban) to streamline operations.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis to optimize labor and equipment utilization.
• Lead or support continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, productivity, and quality enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain) to ensure alignment on manufacturing strategies.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and launch readiness activities, including process flow design, workstation setup, PFMEA, and control plans.
• Monitor and report KPI performance, developing dashboards and action plans for improvement.
• Provide training and mentoring to operators and team members on Lean practices and continuous improvement culture.

Requirements

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience preferably in an automotive and/or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing implementation, process optimization, and plant launch activities.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing is required; Certified Six Sigma Green Belt is preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable cost savings and process improvements.
• Ability to align maps with KPI dashboards for tracking.
• Start-up experience is desirable, but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced automotive development environment.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively influence teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); VISIO and Minitab proficiency preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Pay

Base Pay Range (Annual): $96,332.80 - $144,499.20 USD

Benefits

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

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