Principal Vehicle Safety Engineer

About the role

The Vehicle Safety Engineer will play a critical role in shaping the crash performance, occupant protection, and high-voltage safety strategies for Slate's next-generation electric products, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyze crash tests to meet FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP, and internal standards
• Lead sled, subsystem, and full-vehicle crash programs, including fixture design specifications, test requests, test readiness reviews, and post-test debriefs with engineering and leadership teams
• Build and maintain test validation plans, including test asset usage, collaboration with test facilities, conducting pre- and post-test checks, and completing crash vehicle reviews and assessments
• Cross-functionally coordinate safety asset builds with correct content, develop test requests, and oversee instrumentation and data capture for crash sensing and restraint system development
• Lead occupant protection development activities including occupant injury assessment, restraint tuning, occupant kinematics evaluation, and correlation of CAE, sled, and vehicle test results to achieve safety performance targets
• CAE model-to-test correlation for structure and occupant performance
• Track test progress, manage the test matrix, and report status to program leadership
• Collaborate with design, CAE, manufacturing, and homologation teams to resolve structural, restraint, interior, sensing, occupant protection, and compliance issues
• Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional decisions to prioritize safety
• Engage with suppliers, third-party test facilities, auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed
• Stay up to date on vehicle safety regulations, rating protocols, and industry best practices
• Prepare and present clear technical summaries, findings, and recommendations for senior leadership

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, and NCAP protocols
• Experience with occupant performance assessment, restraint system development, occupant injury criteria, and occupant kinematics across regulatory and consumer rating crash modes
• Ability to interpret test data and translate results into actionable design improvements
• Hands-on experience with vehicle safety development across sled, subsystem, system, and full-vehicle levels
• Proven success working cross-functionally with internal teams and external test facilities
• Knowledge of sensing and calibration requirements for crash and restraint systems including implications when making or proposing deployment changes/trade-offs
• Understanding of vehicle design for structures, restraints, interior systems, and occupant protection solutions that meet regulatory and third-party requirements
• Understanding of CAE methodologies and correlation for crashworthiness development
• Understanding of FMVSS 305 for electric vehicles, ensuring HV system post-crash integrity and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Automotive, or Biomedical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of direct automotive experience in vehicle safety, crash testing, or restraint system development
• Familiarity with CAD, CAE, and post-processing tools (e.g., LS-DYNA, HyperView, Beta MetaPost)
• Strong data analysis, correlation, and problem-solving skills
• Able to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
• Six Sigma, DOE or DFSS training/certification preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and presentations

Skills

• Strong knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, and NCAP protocols
• Experience with occupant performance assessment, restraint system development, occupant injury criteria, and occupant kinematics
• Ability to interpret test data and translate results into actionable design improvements
• Hands-on experience with vehicle safety development
• Familiarity with CAD, CAE, and post-processing tools
• Data analysis, correlation, and problem-solving skills
• Strong cross-functional coordination and communication skills
• Understanding of vehicle safety regulations and industry best practices

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance
• Vacation
• 401(k)

Pay

The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors. Base Pay Range (Annual): $123,339.06 - $185,008.58 USD

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

• Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k.

Why Join Team Slate?

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are 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.