Assistant Chief Engineer

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate were building safe reliable vehicles that people can afford personalize and loveand doing it here 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.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Assistant Chief Engineer (ACE) serves as a senior technical leader responsible for guiding vehicle systems development from concept through launch within an automotive OEM environment. This role ensures engineering excellence crossfunctional alignment and delivery of program targets across performance quality cost timing and regulatory compliance. The ACE acts as the technical authority for assigned systems and supports the Chief Engineer in strategic decisionmaking risk management and program execution.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Lead systemlevel engineering strategy for assigned vehicle domains (e.g. chassis body propulsion electrical ADAS or interiors).

• Define and validate system architecture interfaces and performance requirements.

• Oversee DFMEA DVP&R CAE and validation planning to ensure robust engineering execution.

• Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards homologation requirements and internal engineering specifications.

• Drive technical issue resolution using structured problemsolving methodologies (8D A3 root cause analysis).

• Evaluate new technologies materials and suppliers to support innovation and competitive advantage.

Program Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Engineer in delivering program objectives across cost weight performance and timing.

• Lead crossfunctional engineering reviews gateway readiness assessments and technical alignment meetings.

• Manage engineering deliverables across internal teams suppliers and manufacturing partners.

• Oversee prototype build readiness launch support and engineering change management.

• Track program risks develop mitigation plans and escalate critical issues when necessary.

• Ensure engineering documentation accuracy including BOM integrity change notices and release packages.

CrossFunctional Leadership

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designforassembly and designformanufacturing compliance.

• Collaborate with Purchasing and Supplier Quality to evaluate suppliers and resolve technical issues.

• Work with Program Management to maintain alignment on timing resources and program priorities.

• Coordinate with Quality Service and Warranty teams to address field issues and implement corrective actions.

• Engage with Finance to support costreduction initiatives and valueengineering activities.

• Represent engineering in executive reviews technical forums and customerfacing discussions when required.

Engineering Deliverables

• System requirements and specifications

• DFMEA and PFMEA inputs

• DVP&R creation and execution oversight

• CAE analysis reviews and correlation plans

• Prototype and production build support

• Technical reports validation summaries and signoff documentation

• Engineering change management and release approvals

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Electrical Automotive or related engineering field

• 10 years of automotive engineering experience including system ownership or technical leadership

• Strong understanding of vehicle development processes (Vmodel APQP gated program structures)

• Proficiency with CAD CAE and PLM systems (e.g. CATIA NX Teamcenter)

• Deep knowledge of automotive regulatory standards (FMVSS ECE EPA CARB ISO etc.)

• Demonstrated ability to lead crossfunctional engineering teams

• Experience with supplier management and global development environments

Preferred Technical Expertise

• Masters degree in Engineering or MBA

• Experience in EV propulsion battery systems ADAS or softwaredefined vehicle architectures

• Background in lean product development or systems engineering (INCOSE certification a plus)

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies

• Experience launching vehicles in multiple global markets

• Strong financial acumen related to cost modeling and value engineering

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic thinking and technical judgment

• Strong communication and executivelevel presentation skills

• Ability to influence without authority

• Structured problemsolving mindset

• High level of accountability and ownership

• Collaborative leadership style

• Adaptability in fastpaced ambiguous environments

Work Conditions

• Primarily office and engineering lab environment

• Frequent interaction with manufacturing plants suppliers and test facilities

• Occasional travel (domestic and international) to support builds supplier reviews and validation activities

• Ability to support offshift or weekend activities during critical launch phases

Standard Disclaimer

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required. The company reserves the right to modify job responsibilities or requirements as needed.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE

At Slate were 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

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