Manager Exterior Accessories, Engineering

Slate Auto LLC; United States; On-site; USD 141,806 - 212,710; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Vacation

Job summary

Slate Auto LLC is seeking an experienced Exterior Accessory Manager to lead a cross-functional team in the design and integration of vehicle accessories. This role requires a strategic thinker with a Bachelor's or Master's in mechanical engineering and over 10 years of relevant experience.

The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary ranging from $141,806.80 to $212,710.20 USD and a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of design and release experience.
• Technical expert in exterior components and related systems.
• Experience in environmental testing and vehicle system integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of all exterior accessories.
• Oversee system-level validation and verification activities.
• Communicate project status and challenges to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership skills

Mechanical engineering expertise

Communication skills

Team-building skills

Problem-solving skills

Experience with DFMEA

Technical tools like GD&T

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

DFMEA

DVP&R

GD&T

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.

We are looking for

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Exterior Accessory Manager to lead a cross‑functional team responsible for the successful design and integration of a complex system of accessories and related systems. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering unique vehicles that meet safety, quality, and customer expectations.

What you get to do

• Lead the end‑to‑end development and integration of all exterior accessories and related sub‑systems.
• Develop and execute design and integration plans, timelines, and deliverables aligned with program milestones.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless system compatibility and performance.
• Identify and mitigate system risks through proactive problem‑solving and testing strategies.
• Oversee system‑level validation and verification activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Communicate project status, challenges, and solutions to senior leadership and stakeholders.

What you bring to the team

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Technical expert in exterior components and related systems; experience in environmental testing and vehicle system integration is preferred.
• 10+ years of design and release experience.
• Excellent communication, team‑building, time‑management, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimised solutions with attention to detail.
• Experience with technical tools such as DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, Design for Manufacturing, Lean, and other toolchains.
• Broad vehicle technical and vehicle development process knowledge, including how to set technical targets, work with teams to determine feasibility (virtually and physically) and validate with statistical confidence.
• Ability and desire to build your own team and work in a fun and fast‑paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Base Pay Range (Annual) $141,806.80 - $212,710.20 USD.

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401(k). 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?

We’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Slate’s start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles. Our core values include:

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 accommodations 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].