Senior Design Release Engineer, Passive Safety Electronics

About Slate

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and 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 an energetic, organized, and highly collaborative Senior Design Release Engineer, Passive Safety Electronic with deep expertise in passive safety electronics and embedded automotive systems. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in developing and releasing safety-critical components, such as airbag ECUs, crash sensors, and occupant detection systems, while leading cross-functional teams through requirements development, validation, and production release. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment, applies structured engineering and quality methodologies (APQP, PPAP, DFMEA), and is driven to deliver robust designs that meet stringent safety and regulatory standards.

What You Get To Do

• Develop functional requirements for Passive Safety Electronics components (Airbag ECU, Seat Track Sensor, Occupant Classification & Crash Sensors), including interfaces, diagnostics, and fault detection protocol.
• Develop and document test plans for the required switches and actuators.
• Release the component Part Numbers in the Product Lifecycle Management system and maintain release levels as the design matures.
• Lead DFMEA reviews to identify technical risks and drive the controls logic to improve detection and reduce potential failures of the design.
• Review hardware design with cross functional teams to ensure the hardware meets requirements.
• Work with Safety, CAE and Crash test sites to successfully meet Top Safety Pick goal of the vehicle.
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity best practices to ensure robust customer and corporation protection over the lifecycle.
• Utilize Lean Engineering methodologies throughout.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited (or equivalent) program. Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of product development experience with embedded, safety-critical electronics, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Proven leadership of cross functional teams integrating software, hardware, systems, and manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience working with low voltage passive safety components.
• Knowledge of CAN-FD, and LIN protocol physical topology requirements.
• Proficiency using CATIA V5 and Windchill PLM to release components and process engineering changes.
• Experience, understanding, and proficiency with PPAP, including developing and creating Design records, FMEA’s, Control Plans, etc.
• Experience, understanding, and proficiency with APQP and related documentation.
• Experience using problem solving methodologies to diagnose complex issues, such as 8D, Five Whys, and Fishbone processes.
• Functional experience with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as FMVSSS, NHTSA, DOT, USCAR, SAE, NEC, etc.
• 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).

Physical Requirements

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 20%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

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

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

[email protected].