Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Problem Solving & Training Expert

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto in the United States (Warsaw site) is seeking a Problem Solving & Quality Training Expert to serve as the site leader for structured problem solving. You will drive cross-functional efforts to resolve manufacturing, supplier, and launch-related quality issues.

You will coach teams in PDCA, 8D, DMAIC; develop curricula; mentor Belt candidates; and ensure containment and verification of corrective actions while aligning with IATF 16949 and Slate standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree.
• 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent.
• Expert in structured problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority.
• Strong training, facilitation, and coaching skills; experience teaching adults.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and standards (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA).
• Six Sigma Black Belt required; Master Black Belt certification preferred; willing to pursue MB leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional problem solving for manufacturing issues.
• Coach teams in PDCA, 8D, DMAIC and root cause analysis.
• Develop and deploy quality training curricula.
• Ensure containment, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
• Align with Slate quality standards and IATF 16949.
• Mentor Green Belt and Black Belt candidates.
• Support new product launches with quality mindset.

Skills

Structured problem solving

Root cause analysis

Training & coaching

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD or equivalent

Tools

IATF 16949

APQP

PPAP

SPC

MSA

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:

The Problem Solving & Quality Training Expert serves as the site authority for structured problem solving and quality-related training. This role leads cross-functional problem-solving efforts for manufacturing issues, coaches teams in root cause analysis, and develops and deploys quality training programs including quality mindset, problem solving, and Six Sigma methodologies. The role interfaces with all manufacturing functions, engineering, and leadership to drive sustainable improvements and prevent recurrence.

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:

Serve as the Warsaw manufacturing site lead for structured problem solving and quality continuous improvement. Lead and facilitate cross-functional problem solving for complex manufacturing, supplier, and launch-related quality issues. Coach teams in problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA, A3, 8D, DMAIC, and root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone). Ensure robust containment, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness for major quality issues. Establish and standardize problem-solving expectations, templates, and governance across the plant. Develop, deploy, and continuously improve quality training curricula for all levels of the organization. Lead training efforts focused on quality mindset, built-in quality, defect prevention, and accountability. Deliver formal training in problem solving, Six Sigma, statistical thinking, and basic quality tools. Support and mentor Green Belt and Black Belt candidates and projects within the plant. Partner with manufacturing and quality leaders to assess capability gaps and define targeted training plans. Track and report effectiveness of training and problem-solving efforts using defined metrics. Support new product and process launches by embedding quality mindset and problem-solving rigor. Act as a change agent to strengthen a culture of data-driven decision making and continuous improvement. Interface with Supplier Quality and Engineering to support problem solving that crosses organizational boundaries. Ensure alignment with Slate quality standards, IATF 16949 principles, and continuous improvement objectives. Perform additional duties as assigned in support of plant quality and operational excellence.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience. Demonstrated expertise in structured problem solving and root cause analysis. Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority. Strong training, facilitation, and coaching skills with experience teaching adult learners. Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and standards (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA). Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decisions. Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels. High integrity, ownership mindset, and passion for developing people. Six Sigma Black Belt required and Master Black Belt certification Preferred. *Black Belt must be willing and able to achieve Master Black Belt. Experience building or leading plant-wide training programs. Automotive OEM or Tier 1 manufacturing experience. Experience supporting new product launches or start-up environments. Demonstrated success driving cultural change toward continuous improvement.

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) 108,877.00 - 163,316.00 USD Annual

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 Affinite 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.