Senior Design Release Engineer, Steering Systems
Slate
Michigan
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 for a dynamic, experienced Senior Design Release Engineer, Steering Systems to join our growing team. The Steering Systems DRE will be responsible for the design and release of Electric Power Steering systems for Slate vehicles, and ensure that steering target performance and features, as well as FMVSS requirements, are met. This position will be responsible for understanding the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets. You will use the APQP process and documentation to ensure Slate’s targets are met throughout the life of the vehicle. What You Get To Do
- Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient steering systems, including EPS rack, I-shaft, and steering column.
- Directly impact vehicle feel and vehicle dynamics by being responsible for the design and release of the steering system and its supporting hardware and software.
- Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans.
- Collaborate with Purchasing in the sourcing of new chassis steering components, whether for material cost reductions or new platforms, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective.
- Create, specify, and release steering components, working directly with our Vehicle Integration and Electrical / SW teams to ensure vehicle functional objectives (FOs) are met.
- Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (like larger or smaller wheels and tires, and lift and lower kits) are properly accommodated by the steering system.
- Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
- Manage changes to parts / systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified.
- Deliver your products to meet our quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification / labelling.
- Lead Design Reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
- Act as the primary liaison between Slate and suppliers of the parts under your umbrella.
- Engage with multiple cross functional teams (Accessories, Body, Interior, Design, Vehicle Integration, and Safety).
- Ensure validation of the steering system, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
- Create or assist in the creation of Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for your parts.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
- 8+ years of experience in automotive Steering Systems engineering, with skills including:
- Strong understanding of steering kinematics and their effects on vehicle dynamics.
- Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specification.
- Steering system Design Verification Plan creation.
- Steering system assembly release experience.
- Steering system SW feature integration is a plus.
- Understanding of I-shaft u-joint geometry (phasing).
- Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
- I-shaft boot design and release and/or product engineering.
- Chassis fasteners and fastener testing.
- Steering rack design and product engineering.
- Steering system warranty problem solving, including tie rod ends.
- Steering column EA and collapse tuning.
- Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.). Modelling skills are also a plus.
- Understanding and proficiency in the APQP process and related documentation.
- Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes.
- Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements.
- Technical writing and documentation experience.
- Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
- 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).
- Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
- Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
- Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
- Safety First
- Delight Customers
- One Team
- Relentless Improvement
- Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
- Respectful Collaboration
- Positive Legacy
Posted 2026-01-13
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