Senior Project Quality Engineer — SUV & Lightweight Roof Panels

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Slate isseekinga technical dynamic and experienced Senior Project Quality Engineer to join our growing team. This role will serve as the Quality lead for SUV variant development and lightweight roof panel systemsincluding hard tops modular panels and composite closureswhere deep engagement with engineering and manufacturing teams is essential to delivering the highest levels of product and process quality. The successful candidate will bring hands-onexpertisein FMEA development Design Verification Planning and structured problem-solving methodologies to drive robust designs from concept through launch.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Lead productqualitydevelopmentfor SUV body systems with particular focus on lightweight roof panel composite panels ensuring structural integrity dimensional precision and long-term durability.

• Supportandfacilitatethe development of DFMEAs and DVP&Rs applying AIAG-VDAmethodologyincluding Action Priority (AP) ratings; drive closure of high-priority risk items through rigorous validation planning andproblem issuetracking.

• Partner withProductand Manufacturing Engineering teams to support DFM/ DFAreviews GD&T assessments and tolerance stack-up analysis for roof and closure systems.

• Applyrobust problem solving(e.g.)Six Sigma Shainin Red X 3 Legged 5Whymethodologies to resolve chronic quality issues reduce variation and accelerate root cause resolution across SUV programs.

• Manage APQP deliverables for roof panel suppliers and internal programs; ensuretimelycompletion of PPAP submissions dimensional validation and material certifications.

• Support Requirements development and Special Characteristics identification aligned with FMVSS customer expectations and strategic program targets.

• Collaborate with Supplier Quality on evaluation and qualification of composite and thermoplastic roof panel suppliers including process audits andpartreviews.

• Define andmaintainquality technical standards inspection criteria and process controls for roof system integration and vehicle-level closures and exterior systems.

• Track report and drive closure on dimensional and reliability quality issues through warranty data review field feedback analysis and structured corrective action.

• Mentor and support team members in quality tools and methodologies; foster a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

You will be a key member of a high-functioning quality team as we scale SUV development and bring innovative lightweight roof systems to market.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors orMasters degree in Engineering(Mechanical Materials Manufacturing Vehicle Industrial or related field).

• 812 years of experience in automotive product quality or quality engineering with a strong preference for candidates with direct SUV or truck program experience.

• Demonstrated experience with lightweight roof panel systems including MIC hardtops composite closures or modular panel architectures.

Technical Expertise

• Deep hands-on knowledge of DFMEA and PFMEA development under AIAG-VDA 2019 standards including Severity/Occurrence/Detection ratings and Action Prioritymethodology.

• Proficient in Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R) development test sequencing and managing validation outcomes (FRACAS).

• Strong working knowledge of Six Sigma (DMAIC/DFSS) and Shainin Red X problem-solving methodologies; Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.

• Excellent GD&T knowledge; ability to interpret engineering drawings assess manufacturability perform tolerance analysis and propose alternative solutions.

• Solid understanding of thermoplastics composites and advanced materials used in exterior roof and closure systems.

• Familiarity with NHTSA FMVSS requirements and CAE methods (NVH durability safety) as applied to roof and closure systems.

• Proficient in APQP PPAP SPC MSA and Control Plan development in an automotive manufacturing context.

• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Proventrack recordof leading new program quality deliverables on time while achieving launch readiness metrics.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills with the assertiveness to drive accountability across cross-functional and supplier teams.

• High levelof integrity and the ability to make data-driven decisions under program schedule pressure.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic fast-paced start-up environment where resourcefulness and adaptability are essential.