Senior Tooling Engineer, Seats Production

About the role

The Senior Tooling Engineer of Seats Production is responsible for the design, development, sourcing, validation, and launch support of production tooling used in manufacturing operations. This role supports new product introductions and capacity expansions by ensuring tooling solutions meet requirements for quality, safety, ergonomics, cost, and cycle time.

Responsibilities

• Design jigs, fixtures, and tools for manufacturing processes.
• Ensure tooling meets product specifications, tolerances, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with product and process engineers for Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Source tooling from suppliers and manage RFQs.
• Evaluate and select vendors based on cost, quality, and lead time.
• Oversee tool fabrication and delivery to meet program timelines.
• Conduct tool trials and validate performance against design requirements.
• Perform dimensional checks and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Approve tooling for production after successful validation.
• Develop preventive maintenance plans for tools and dies.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues during production and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure tool life management and replacement planning.
• Analyze tooling costs and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Optimize tool design for cycle time reduction and durability.
• Support continuous improvement projects related to tooling.
• Participate in program launch meetings and ensure tooling readiness.
• Coordinate tooling changes for engineering updates.
• Provide technical support during pilot builds and ramp-up.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: 12+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing and a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field or 8 years with Master's degree, or 5 years with PhD or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Automotive OEM experience preferred. Experience with Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing.

Skills

• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of trim line processes and automotive interior components.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production planning software.

Benefits

Benefits details are not specified in the job posting.

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) $114,612.00 - $143,265.00 - $171,918.00 USD Annual

Schedule

Schedule details are not specified in the job posting.

Benefits

Benefits details are not specified in the job posting.

Pay

Pay details are not specified in the job posting.

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

Why Join Team Slate?

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.