Assistant Chief Engineer-SUV

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

Slate is looking for a dynamic and experienced Assistant Chief Engineer SUV Kit to serve as the senior technical leader responsible for delivering the SUV Kit system to production. The SUV Kit is a customer-installed accessory that converts the Slate truck into a fully capable SUV integrating a bolt-in roll cage structure with airbags and restraints a rear seat and interior trim package and a removable modular exterior roof system.

Component-level engineers are assigned and working across all systems. This role is not about managing individual partsit is about owning the full technical solution. That means accountability for functional requirements system-level integration and delivery against cost weight and investment targets as the program moves from final sourcing into launch. The ideal candidate is a decisive technical leader with deep launch experience who can hold the system together under the pressure of a compressed timeline and a first-of-its-kind product.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Own the full SUV Kit technical solutionsystem requirements interface definitions and performance targetsand be accountable for delivering them at cost weight and investment.

• Drive system-level integration across the exterior roof rear seating interior trim roll cage structure and restraint systems ensuring all subsystem deliverables converge into a coherent validated whole.

• Lead sourcing completion activities for open commodities including technical alignment with suppliers design-for-manufacturability review and readiness confirmation against program milestones.

• Manage engineering deliverables across internal teams and Tier 1 suppliers through production launch including DFMEA and DVP&R completion validation execution and engineering change disposition.

• Own program risk at the system levelidentify integration issues cross-system conflicts and launch readiness gaps early and drive resolution with urgency.

• Lead gateway readiness assessments executive reviews and cross-functional technical alignment meetings for the SUV Kit program.

• Ensure regulatory compliance of the converted SUV configuration including applicable FMVSS coverage mapping homologation inputs and sign-off documentation.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to confirm design-for-assembly and design-for-manufacturing readiness across all kit systems ahead of production.

• Partner with the Accessories team on the customer installation experienceensuring the SUV Kit can be installed by a motivated customer with basic tools supported by Slate University content and the RepairPal certified installer network.

• Coordinate with Quality Service and Warranty teams on launch preparation including field issue response processes and corrective action planning.

• Represent the SUV Kit program in senior leadership reviews and cross-functional forums as the technical authority for the system.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Automotive Engineering or a related field is required. Masters degree is preferred.

• 10 years of automotive engineering experience including system-level ownership or technical leadership through production launch.

• Demonstrated experience as a system integrator on a complex vehicle programsomeone who has held accountability for making subsystems work together not just managing individual components.

• Proven track record of delivering programs against cost weight and investment targets in a launch environment.

• Strong launch execution instincts: experience driving DVP&R completion supplier readiness and engineering sign-off under compressed timing.

• Technical depth in one or more of the SUV Kit domains (exterior body systems seating and interiors or body structure) with the breadth to lead across all of them.

• Experience with tools such as DFMEA DVP&R GD&T Design for Manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D A3 root cause analysis).

• Broad vehicle development process knowledge including how to set technical targets assess feasibility and validate to statistical confidence.

• Familiarity with CATIA and PLM systems (Windchill or equivalent) is preferred.

• Knowledge of applicable automotive regulatory standards (FMVSS SAE ISO) relevant to vehicle conversion and occupant safety systems.

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and suppliers through technical tradeoffs and drive decisions with attention to both detail and the bigger picture.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and present clearly to senior leadership.

• Highly adaptable and proactive with demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook Teams Word Excel PowerPoint).

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