Principle Engineer - Vehicle Accessories

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

We are pushing the boundaries of radical personalization - blending functionality, aesthetic integration, and high quality at price points for all customer wallets. As a Lead Engineer, you’ll serve as a technical cornerstone for the Accessories Engineering team. You’ll own critical projects while also mentoring and guiding peers across various categories, including interior, exterior, cargo, utility, and lifestyle products. This is a 'player-coach' role—ideal for someone who thrives both as an individual contributor and as a technical leader.

What You Get To Do

  • Drive end-to-end technical execution for vehicle accessory products across multiple categories (interior, exterior, cargo, utility, etc.) and drive portfolio-level readiness
  • Act as a technical lead on cross-functional programs: concept development, CAD, testing, integration, and launch
  • Mentor and support a small team of project engineers by reviewing designs, providing feedback, and unblocking progress
  • Serve as the point person for high-complexity systems or first-of-kind accessory innovations
  • Lead supplier engagement for technical reviews, validation planning, DFM/DFA, and launch execution
  • Establish best practices for design reviews, CAD standards, release process, and documentation quality
  • Own advanced CAD development in CATIA and data management via Windchill
  • Ensure compliance with FMVSS, SAE, ISO, and company-specific performance standards across all programs
  • Support strategic decision-making for tooling investments, prototyping pathways, and technology roadmaps
  • Represent accessories engineering in functional lead discussions about product direction, risk, and readiness

What You Bring To The Team

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field; MS or advanced credentials a plus
  • 15+ years in vehicle accessory engineering or related product development roles
  • Cross-functional experience spanning multiple categories: interior systems, structural hardware, utility gear, etc. Automotive or Powersports backgrounds are a plus.
  • Expert CAD user with mastery in CATIA (V5 or V6); Windchill PLM experience required
  • Proven leadership in fast-paced or startup environments—ability to mentor and motivate without formal organizational reporting structures.
  • Strong understanding of material properties (plastics, metals, textiles), joining techniques, and validation methods
  • Hands-on experience with DVP&R, DFMEA, prototype evaluations, and supplier readiness
  • Deep working knowledge of FMVSS, SAE, ASTM, and ISO standards applicable to accessories
  • Clear communicator who can operate from factory floor to executive strategy sessions
  • Strong organizational and documentation habits; able to lead by example

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].
Posted 2025-11-18

Recommended Jobs

Nuclear Med Tech - Hickman Hospital

ProMedica Toledo Hospital (TH)
Adrian, MI

Location: Hickman Hospital Department: Nuclear Medicine Weekly Hours: 30 Status: Part time Shift: Days (United States of America) Sign On Bonus: Job Requisition Qualifies for Sig…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-12

Sales team organizational coordinator

Pfizer
Lansing, MI

US Gastroenterology Regional Coordinator Why Patients Need You Everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to the quality and the delivery of safe and effective p…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-18

Pipeline Tech I

EOG Resources
Midland, MI

Perform daily activities of operations and maintenance on pipelines and facilities to optimize efficiency and throughput. Perform field activities on the pipelines including corrosion control syst…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-20

Hotel Night Auditor

Comfort Inn of Utica
Utica, MI

Opportunity for a full-time Night Auditor. This position will perform Night Auditor and Guest Services Representative responsibilities including greeting, registering and orienting guests to the h…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-28

Administrative assistant - manufacturing engineering

General Motors
Warren, MI

Job Description Global Manufacturing Engineering is looking for innovators who thrive in tough challenges and are passionate about tackling meaningful work that will shape the future of the aut…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-18

Director - OCI Infrastructure Datacenter Capacity

Oracle
Lansing, MI

**Job Description** Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is looking for a visionary **Director** to lead innovation in **data center capacity planning** . In this high-impact role, you'll lead a team gui…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-12

Oracle Fusion SCM

Cloud Analytics Technologies LLC
Troy, MI

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced  Oracle Fusion  Supply Chain Management ( SCM ) Consultant with deep expertise in  Supply Chain Planning and  Manufacturing modules to act as the primar…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-17

Data Center Engineering Operations Technician, Data Center Ops

Amazon
Canton, MI

Description AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-13

Pharmacy Techician

CVS Health
Portage, MI

At CVS Health, we're building a world of health around every consumer and surrounding ourselves with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about transforming health care. As the nation's leading hea…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-20

Quality Control Inspector

Mersen USA GS Corp - Bay City
Bay City, MI

BE PART OF THE FAMILY Mersen is a global expert in electrical specialties and advanced materials for high-tech industries. Present in 33 countries with 50 industrial sites and 18 R&D centres, Mersen d…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-25