Senior Design & Release Engineer, Seat Complete

About Slate

Slate is dedicated to manufacturing safe, reliable vehicles that customers can customize and love, with a focus on American manufacturing. Our commitment to DIY and customization is reflected in every aspect of our vehicles.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Senior Design & Release Engineer, Seat Complete to join our growing team. This role will be responsible for the design and release of seating systems for Slate vehicles, ensuring compliance with FMVSS requirements and meeting performance targets.

What You Get To Do

• Develop and implement functional objectives to meet project performance targets, including regulations, NVH, durability, craftsmanship, and comfort.
• Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient seat complete systems, integrating JIT components such as foam, trim, structures, tracks, headrests, airbags, and electrical.
• Apply engineering disciplines and take full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, engineering specifications, DVP&R, drawings, control plans.
• Collaborate with purchasing to source new seating components/systems, either for cost reduction or new platforms, and conduct supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product.
• Create, specify, and release seat components, working directly with vehicle integration teams to ensure vehicle functional objectives are met.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Manage changes to parts/systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification/labeling.
• Lead design reviews for each component/system at required milestones.
• Act as the primary liaison between Slate and suppliers of the parts under your umbrella.
• Engage with accessories, body, restraints, design, manufacturing, safety, vehicle integration (NVH, vehicle dynamics), and vehicle evaluation and verification to deliver robust seating systems to production that meet vehicle-level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the seating system, reviewing test loads, setups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Create or assist in creating product assembly documents and ensure joint development for your parts.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive seating system engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas/components: Seat JIT Integration, Seat complete FMVSS, IIHS and other third-party rating validation, Seat foam and trim design, Seat structure design, Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specifications, Strong understanding of occupant kinematics and their effects on vehicle validation, Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes, Functional experience with all NHTSA/FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements, Technical writing and documentation experience, Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail, Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments, Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Physical Requirements: Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%), lift up to 35 pounds, stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Why Join Team Slate?

At Slate, we're driven by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Our start-up spirit fuels innovation and resourcefulness, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect. Safety is paramount, and we strive to delight our customers while maintaining a strong team culture.

Team 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, please contact us at slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.