CMF Designer

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 96,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Vacation

401k

Equity program

Annual incentive

Job summary

Slate Auto, based in the United States, is seeking a creative CMF Automotive Designer with 5+ years of experience to shape interior and exterior materials, finishes and textures that align with our brand DNA. You will develop color palettes, mood boards and production-ready concepts, ensuring feasibility and cost-conscious decisions.

Collaborating across Design, Brand, Engineering and Purchasing, you will manage material master samples, supplier relationships and validation processes to deliver

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Color and Material Design or related field with portfolio.
• Minimum of 5 years of CMF automotive experience.
• Ability to create mood boards and color palettes.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and 3D rendering tools.

Responsibilities

• CMF design activities for Interior and Exterior projects across vehicles.
• Define and implement materials, finishes, textures and colors for production and conceptual programs.
• Research color/material trends in automotive and consumer markets.
• Source new materials and collaborate with suppliers.
• Create patterns/graphics to define brand identity.
• Manage master samples and approval process while maintaining design intent.
• Ensure finishes meet automotive specs and cost targets.

Skills

CMF design

Color theory

Project management

Communication skills

Industrial design

Education

BA/BS in Color & Material Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Keyshot

Alias

VRED

Maya

CATIA

SOLIDWORKS

Job description

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 a creative, experienced CMF Automotive Designer who is upbeat, self-motivated and organized to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience, a keen eye for color, grain, gloss, texture, palettes, material trends and sustainability, as well as excellent communication and project management skills.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Create attractive, functional, feasible and cost-conscious CMF strategies for interiors and exteriors of our products, ensuring they align with our brand DNA and target markets. You will be responsible for both conceptual and production programs, while working with amazingly talented, like-minded people on an impactful project.

The responsibilities of the Color and Materials Designer include but not limited to the following:

• CMF design activities for both Interior and Exterior projects for all our vehicles. Create mood boards, color palettes, material samples and pitch decks for in person and virtual presentations.


• Define and implement materials, finishes, textures and colors for both production and conceptual programs.


• Research and analyze color and materials trends both in automotive and consumer markets to develop trend forecasting, while identifying opportunities for differentiation and innovation.


• Constantly source new materials to maintain innovation within the CMF library.


• Research and connect with suppliers to bring your design vision to life.


• Create innovative patterns and graphics that can help define the identity of the brand.


• Material Mastering Required. Managing appearance development and approval process with various suppliers and/or Tiers, while maintaining design intent.


• Follow system for maintaining, storing and distributing master samples.


• Clear understanding of automotive specifications and performance requirements of finishes.


• Creative finish solutions that maintain appearance but keep cost at a minimum.


• Provide charts that layout a clear Color and Materials production development letter for production builds.


• Design quality/quality control of finishes in all phases of production to ensure the design intent is maintained.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

The pace doesn’t scare you, it excites you. Flexible with coast-to-coast schedules, requiring excellent communication skills that may fall outside of traditional hours. Comfortable in a start-up environment. Low ego and strong willingness to support. Being agile and understanding how quickly directions may change in an automotive design setting. And of course, outstanding CMF Design skills.

• BA or BS Degree in Color and Material Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Textile Design or the equivalent in professional experience with evidence of exceptional ability documented in a portfolio.


• Minimum of 5 years similar or related experience.


• Create compelling inspiration boards and focused program palettes to inspire and align the organization on the CMF direction.


• Proficiency with design tools and software. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Keyshot (or equivalent 3D or 2D rendering programs Alias, VRED, Maya, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS).


• Excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective presentations.


• Consistently deliver high-quality work in an expedient manner.


• Ability to manage multiple activities with possible pivots and show examples from previous production programs.


• Capability to work cross functionally (internally) with Design, Brand, Engineering, Commercial and Purchasing but also experience in successful relationships (externally) with suppliers, vendors and partners for mutual success.


• Ability to meet deliverables, based on milestones and deadlines.


• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Salary Range: The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual)

$96,333.00 - $144,499.00

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.

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

[e-mail].