Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Joining & Regulatory

Slate; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate, a start-up-style automaker in the USA, seeks a Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Regulatory & Joining to own regulatory alignment, bonding method development, and testing for adhesion integrity across bonding systems. You will lead audits, creation of control plans, and CAPA workflows while coaching cross-functional teams to prevent defects.

The role emphasizes 5S discipline, KPI governance, and collaboration with Global safety teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on bonding processes experience (glass, PP-GF, urethane) and test methods.
• Auditing experience with government/industry requirements; CAPA leadership.
• Automotive/FM VSS knowledge preferred; ISO 9001/IATF16949 familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory audits and translate standards into plant procedures and control plans.
• Develop and validate bonding processes; standardize surface prep and cure params.
• Create verification plans and implement SPC for process drift and results.
• Lead structured problem solving (5-Why, 8D) for bonding escapes and variation.
• Own daily 5S and KPI reporting; drive continuous improvement in bonding areas.

Skills

ERP/MRP

SPC

MSA

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Power BI

ERP software

Document control tools

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.

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.

Who We Are Looking For

The Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Regulatory & Joining leads compliance, audits, and product-safety focused bonding processes at Slate Auto. This role owns regulatory alignment, bonding method development and validation (glass, glass-filled PP, urethane systems), and cross-functional problem solving. The engineer ensures adhesion/cohesion performance through robust testing (e.g., wet maps, knife tests) and drives a daily 5S and quality-first mindset across operations

What You Get To Do

Regulatory Compliance & Auditing

• Plan and execute internal audits against applicable government and industry requirements (e.g., FMVSS-related quality controls, EPA/FIFRA considerations for adhesives/sealants handling, OSHA/EHS).
• Interpret regulatory standards and translate into plant-level procedures, work instructions, and control plans.
• Maintain audit readiness: documentation control, traceability, training records, and CAPA follow-through.

Bonding Engineering (Glass, PP-GF, Urethane)

• Develop and validate bonding processes for laminated/tempered glass, glass-filled PP, and urethane bonding systems.
• Define and standardize surface prep, primers, cure parameters, open times, and environmental controls (temp/RH).
• Establish acceptance criteria and controls to ensure **cohesive** bond integrity vs. purely adhesive failure modes.

Test Methods & Verification

• Author and maintain methods such as wet maps, knife/peel tests, lap-shear, and coupon-level validation for bonding.
• Create incoming and in-process verification plans; implement SPC and reaction plans for drifts or out-of-spec results.
• Lead gauge R&R and MSA for bonding-related measurements and visual standards.

Problem Solving & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Facilitate structured problem solving (5-Why, Ishikawa, 8D) for bonding escapes and process variation.
• Write clear problem statements; define containment, root cause, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Coach production, maintenance, and supplier teams on defect prevention and robust process windows.
• Assist with manufacturing related recalls and maintain communication with Slate’s Global product safety teams.

Quality Culture & KPIs

• Own daily 5S standards in bonding and inspection areas; sustain audit scorecards.
• Define and publish bonding quality KPIs (first pass yield, rework, adhesion failures, audit findings).
• Drive continuous improvement and standard work updates; present results in tier meetings

What You Bring To The Team

Education & Experience

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience
• Hands-on experience with bonding processes (glass, PP-GF, urethane) and related test methods (wet maps, knife/peel).
• Auditing experience and strong familiarity with government/industry requirements; demonstrated CAPA leadership.
• Automotive experience (FMVSS context), IATF 16949/ISO 9001 knowledge. (preferred)
• Experience with supplier quality, incoming material validation, and adhesive supplier management. (preferred)

Skills

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP, SPC, MSA, and document control tools; strong analytical and communication skills.
• Power BI or data visualization for KPI reporting knowledge
• Excellent product and process assessment, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong teamwork, communication, assertiveness, and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Highest level of integrity and ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up 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 TeamRelentless 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 Affinneative 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].