Packaging Engineer - Accessories and Service Parts

Slate Auto; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Equity program

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Packaging Engineering Manager to build and lead a small team of packaging engineers in Carson, CA or Troy, MI. You will own the packaging strategy and roadmap for Accessories and Service Parts, delivering measurable gains in cost, damage reduction, and sustainability while ensuring a premium unboxing experience.

You’ll set standards, review designs, and coordinate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Product, Brand, and Digital teams to drive one cohesive packaging plan

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years in packaging engineering for automotive or consumer products.
• 3+ years leading engineers.
• Deep knowledge of packaging materials and standards (ISTA, ASTM, labeling requirements).
• Experience building and developing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record reducing packaging cost, damage rate, and freight cube.
• Experience owning supplier packaging guidelines, QC criteria, and validation programs across suppliers and 3PLs.
• Strong influence without authority across cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable in start-up environments; hands-on when needed.
• Passion for customer experience and brand-driven packaging.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a small, high-performing team of packaging engineers.
• Own the packaging strategy and roadmap for Accessories and Service Parts.
• Set packaging standards, specifications, test protocols, and design guidelines.
• Deliver an unboxing experience that protects the product and tells Slate’s story.
• Make launches packaging-ready by defining supplier and 3PL packaging requirements and validations.
• Align Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Product, Brand, and Digital teams around one packaging plan.
• Plan capacity and prioritize across multiple accessories and service-part demands.
• Own packaging tooling and development budget; balance cost, protection, experience, and speed.
• Review packaging designs, CAD/die line files, and test results; step in hands-on when needed.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Team leadership

Cost reduction

ISTA/ASTM testing

CAD proficiency

Supplier & 3PL collaboration

Education

BS in Packaging Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Die-line review

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 Accessories team spends enough time thinking outside the box. We need YOU to think about the box, and to build the team that does it every day. As our Packaging Engineering Manager, you’ll report directly to the Head of Accessories Product Management and lead a small team of packaging engineers. You’ll own the packaging strategy and roadmap for Slate Accessories and Service Parts, from shipping packaging through suppliers and 3PLs to the customer-facing unboxing experience. You’ll set the bar for quality and stay close enough to the work to roll up your sleeves when a launch needs it.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Build and lead a small, high-performing team of packaging engineers: hire, coach, develop, and manage performance, with clear goals and workload balanced across competing programs.
• Own the packaging strategy and roadmap for Accessories and Service Parts, delivering measurable gains in cost, damage rate, cube and freight efficiency, and sustainability.
• Set the packaging standards, specifications, test protocols, and design guidelines that every Slate part, supplier, and 3PL packages to.
• Deliver an unboxing experience customers love: customer-facing packaging, distinct from factory packaging, that protects the product, tells the Slate story, and, where it helps, doubles as an install guide or fixture.
• Make every launch packaging‑ready: define supplier and 3PL packaging requirements, lead validation (ISTA or equivalent), and approve supplier designs, die lines, and samples so product arrives undamaged and on time.
• Align Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Logistics/3PL, Product Management, Brand, and Digital/eComm around one packaging plan, from concept through launch and sustainment.
• Plan capacity and prioritize across simultaneous accessories and service‑parts demand, including SUV kit support, so the right work ships first and the team stays focused.
• Own the packaging tooling and development budget, and make clear trade‑offs among cost, protection, experience, and speed.
• Stay technically credible: review and approve packaging designs, CAD/die line files, and test results, and step in hands‑on when it matters.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 8-12+ years of packaging engineering experience for automotive or consumer products, including 3+ years leading engineers
• Deep knowledge of packaging materials and standards (ISTA, ASTM, labeling requirements), with enough hands‑on CAD/die line and testing skill to review and challenge designs
• A track record of building and developing teams: hiring well, coaching, and managing performance in a fast‑moving environment
• Demonstrated results reducing packaging cost, damage rate, and freight/cube, and managing a tooling or development budget; dual‑use or install‑aid packaging experience a plus
• Experience owning supplier‑facing packaging guidelines, QC criteria, and validation programs across suppliers and 3PLs
• Strong influence without authority: you align Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Product, and Brand, and bring suppliers and senior leaders with you
• Comfortable in start‑up environments: you build the playbook and roll up your sleeves when the work calls for it
• Passion for customer experience and brand‑driven packaging that supports Slate’s mission

Location: Carson CA or Troy, MI

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.

Annual Base Pay Range in California: $135,000 to $203,000 USD

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. 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?

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 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].