Sr Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Cockpit

About the role

Slate is seeking a dynamic, experienced Senior Design & Release Engineer (DRE) – Interior Cockpit to join our growing team. This role will lead the design, development, and integration of phone holder, iPad holding mechanisms, and cockpit trim component systems within the vehicle cockpit for Slate vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, validation, and launch of phone/iPad holder/interior plastic trim systems including spring-loaded clamps, detent mechanisms, friction-based retention systems, and other injection-molded plastic trim systems
• Ensure proper packaging compatibility, interface alignment, and system-level functionality with the cockpit, console, etc.
• Define kinematics and usability (one-hand operation, ergonomic reach)
• Lead interface with adjacent systems (HVAC, body structures, soft trim, electrical, restraints)
• Work directly with adjacent systems teams to ensure phone/iPad holder integration meets vehicle functional objectives
• Define functional objectives to meet product performance and safety targets, ensuring products meet both functional performance and safety
• Conduct supplier and internal technical reviews to ensure packaging and design issues are addressed/resolved
• Work with affected teams to ensure accessories (removable trim covers, bins, glove box, finish panels, speaker systems, phone and iPad holders, and more) are properly accommodated by the cockpit system
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design
• Define and integrate critical characteristics (CC/SC) with adjacent systems
• Deliver products that meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary PPAP documentation
• Lead Design and Component Integration reviews for each component/system at required milestones
• Ensure validation of mechanism systems, reviewing test loads, setups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV, and launch readiness

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in automotive mechanism system engineering
• Application-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas/components: Mechanical mechanisms (springs, hinges, detents), Interior FMVSS, IIHS, and other 3rd-party rating validation, Plastic part design and injection molding, Handheld device interface and user interaction (HMI) design
• Experience working within a PLM, releasing components, and processing engineering changes
• Functional experience with NHTSA/FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements
• 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)

Qualifications

Why Join 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.

Benefits

At Slate, we believe in providing a competitive compensation package that includes a comprehensive benefits program. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. We also offer opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This role is full-time and based in the United States.