Engineer, Controls - Seats

Slate Auto LLC; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a seasoned Controls & Automation Engineer to design, program, and optimize automated systems in the startup automotive environment in the USA. You will lead development, integration, and improvement of SPS, work with cross-functional teams, and drive uptime, quality, and cost performance.

The role requires 8+ years in automotive controls, expertise in PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of controls, automation or mechatronics engineering experience in automotive or high‑volume manufacturing.
• Experience supporting General Assembly automation, including equipment launch, commissioning, and process optimization.
• Experience in start‑up or greenfield environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, integration, and optimization of automated systems within the Slate Production System (SPS).
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and safety circuits for General Assembly operations.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and resolution of automation‑related issues originating from the plant, field, or suppliers.
• Support layout development, equipment selection, tooling integration, and material‑flow automation to improve throughput and reliability.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle‑time reduction, error‑proofing, uptime improvement, and cost savings.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure automation strategies align with product and process requirements.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by developing automated process flows, control plans, PFMEAs, and workstation logic.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including electrical schematics, software standards, and troubleshooting guides.
• Monitor automation KPIs (uptime, MTTR, MTBF, cycle time) and build dashboards and action plans to drive improvement.
• Train and mentor technicians, operators, and engineers on automation systems, safety protocols, and best practices.

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 they trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a seasoned Controls & Automation Engineer with deep automotive manufacturing experience to help build and refine world‑class production systems. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in automation, robotics, PLC programming, and equipment integration within General Assembly or related automotive environments. You will play a critical role in designing, optimizing, and sustaining automated systems that drive safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance. Beyond technical mastery, we’re looking for someone who elevates others, solves complex problems with clarity, and helps shape the culture of a new manufacturing organization. This is a rare opportunity to build automation capability from the ground up in a fast‑moving, mission‑driven environment.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT

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

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Lead development, integration, and optimization of automated systems within the Slate Production System (SPS).
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and safety circuits for General Assembly operations.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and resolution of automation‑related issues originating from the plant, field, or suppliers.
• Support layout development, equipment selection, tooling integration, and material‑flow automation to improve throughput and reliability.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle‑time reduction, error‑proofing, uptime improvement, and cost savings.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure automation strategies align with product and process requirements.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by developing automated process flows, control plans, PFMEAs, and workstation logic.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including electrical schematics, software standards, and troubleshooting guides.
• Monitor automation KPIs (uptime, MTTR, MTBF, cycle time) and build dashboards and action plans to drive improvement.
• Train and mentor technicians, operators, and engineers on automation systems, safety protocols, and best practices.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Education & Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience 8+ years of controls, automation, or mechatronics engineering experience in the automotive or high‑volume manufacturing industry.
• Proven success supporting General Assembly automation, including equipment launch, commissioning, and process optimization.
• Experience in start‑up or greenfield environments is a plus.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar), HMI development, and industrial communication protocols.
• Strong understanding of robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA), motion control, and machine vision systems.
• Proficiency in electrical troubleshooting, safety system design, and root‑cause analysis methodologies.
• Strong communication, leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver sustainable improvements in uptime, quality, and cost.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering documentation tools (e.g., VISIO, AutoCAD Electrical).

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 an 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].

About Us

At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.