Supplier Quality Manager - Electrical and Lighting

About the role

SLATE is looking for an experienced Supplier Quality Manager, Electrical & Lighting to lead supplier quality execution across Slate’s electrical and lighting supply base. This role covers wiring harnesses, connectors, ECUs, lighting modules, headlamps, tail lamps, and related electrical and lighting components. The position drives PPAP completion, functional and performance compliance, and supplier readiness in support of program milestones and production launch.

Responsibilities

• Manage PPAP submissions and approval status across the electrical and lighting supply base.
• Drive functional, performance, and regulatory compliance for electrical and lighting components.
• Execute containment and corrective action at underperforming suppliers.
• Lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers aligned to electrical and lighting commodities, providing direction, prioritization, and development support through launch and into production.
• Own the electrical and lighting supplier quality relationship, coordinating readiness reviews and milestone gate activities.
• Work cross-functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to deliver components that meet Slate’s quality standards and launch objectives.

Requirements

• Engineering Degree or equivalent, or previous working-level experience.
• 10+ years of Supplier Quality experience, including PPAP management, APQP, dimensional and appearance compliance, commodity-based SQE team leadership, and launch support.
• Prior people management or team lead experience required.
• Deep experience with electrical and lighting components: wiring harnesses, connectors, ECUs, lighting modules, headlamps, tail lamps, and related electrical and photometric assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage PPAP milestones, drive functional and performance compliance, and close corrective actions with measurable results.
• Strong working knowledge of supplier KPI and scorecard development, using data to track PPAP status, dimensional compliance, and supplier readiness progress.
• Ability to coordinate PPAP approval, appearance sign-off, engineering disposition, and production readiness decisions with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Purchasing.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity.
• Experience directly managing or leading a team of supplier quality engineers, including task assignment, performance oversight, and technical mentorship.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.

Pay

Base Pay Range (Annual): $123,339 - $185,009 USD

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability insurance.
• Vacation and 401k.
• Eligibility to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to program rules.

About Slate

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize, and love—manufactured 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.

We foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, guided by shared principles:

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