Manager Exterior Accessories, Engineering

Slate; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking an experienced Exterior Accessory Manager to lead the design and integration of exterior accessories and related subsystems. You will drive end‑to‑end development, plan and track milestones, and partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure optimal system performance and safety.

You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, manage risks, and deliver robust verification and validation while communicating progress to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• 10+ years of design and release experience.
• Technical expertise in exterior components and related systems.
• Experience with environmental testing and vehicle system integration preferred.
• Excellent communication, team building, time management, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, Design for Manufacturing, Lean and other tool chains.
• Broad vehicle technical and vehicle development process knowledge including setting technical targets, feasibility, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and integration of 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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

DFMEA

DVP&R

GD&T

Design for Manufacturing

Lean

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.

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 seeking a dynamic and experienced Exterior Accessory Manager to lead a cross‑functional team responsible for the successful design and integration of 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 optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Experience with technical tools such as DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, Design for Manufacturing, Lean, and other tool chains
• 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.

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 Aff 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

slate‑[e-mail].