Principal Digital Modeller

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Principal Digital Modeller to lead the development of high-quality 3D digital surface models for vehicle design from concept to production release. You will work closely with Exterior and Interior Design, Studio Engineering, Visualization and cross-functional partners to ensure design intent and craftsmanship are preserved across programs.

Expect to translate sketches, scan data, and engineering information into production-oriented surfaces, while collaborating with design

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in automotive digital modelling or related vehicle design discipline.
• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Alias.
• Strong understanding of automotive surface development and Class-A surfacing principles.
• Ability to translate design intent into high-quality 3D surface models.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop high-quality 3D digital surface models for exterior and interior components using Autodesk Alias.
• Translate sketches, renderings, and design direction into accurate 3D models.
• Develop surfaces from early concepts through production data.
• Support creation and refinement of Class-A automotive surfaces while preserving design intent.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to evaluate proportions and design solutions.
• Interpret engineering CAD, scan data, mesh data and other references.

Skills

Autodesk Alias

Class-A Surfacing

Surface Modelling

Collaboration

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

The Principal Digital Modeller is responsible for the creation, development, and delivery of high-quality 3D digital surface models supporting vehicle design programs from initial design development through production release. Working as an integral member of the Design team, the Digital Modeller translates design intent from sketches, renderings, scan data and engineering information into accurate, high-quality digital surface models. The role works closely with Exterior Design, Interior Design, Studio Engineering, Visualization, Engineering and other cross-functional partners to develop feasible design solutions while maintaining the intended aesthetic and craftsmanship of the vehicle.

What You Get To Do

The position requires strong automotive digital modelling skills, with expertise in Autodesk Alias, including the development and refinement of high-quality production-oriented/Class-A surfaces.

What You Bring To The Team

• Create and develop high-quality 3D digital surface models for exterior, interior, accessory and other vehicle design components using Autodesk Alias.
• Translate design sketches, renderings, and design direction into accurate three-dimensional digital models.
• Develop surfaces from early design concepts through increasingly mature design and production data.
• Support the creation and refinement of Class-A automotive surfaces, maintaining surface quality, continuity, highlights, and design intent.
• Work directly with designers to rapidly evaluate proportions, themes, sections, surface treatments, and alternative design solutions.
• Collaborate with Studio Engineering and Engineering teams to incorporate technical requirements, package constraints, manufacturing feasibility and component interfaces.
• Interpret and work with engineering CAD, scan data, mesh data, physical model information, and other reference datasets.
• Identify and resolve surface-quality, feasibility, and data-integration issues throughout the design development process.
• Prepare accurate digital models for design reviews, visualization, engineering evaluation, prototyping, milling, and other downstream applications.
• Maintain organized and appropriately structured digital model data in accordance with studio standards and program requirements.
• Support design reviews by clearly communicating modelling status, issues, alternatives, and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with other digital modellers to distribute workload and maintain consistent modelling and surface-quality standards across programs.
• Respond effectively to changing design direction and program priorities while maintaining data quality and timing.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of digital modelling workflows, tools, and processes within the Design organization.

Qualifications And Requirements

• 10+ years of professional experience in automotive digital modelling, digital surfacing or a closely related vehicle design discipline.
• undefined
• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Alias.
• Strong understanding of automotive surface development and Class-A surfacing principles.
• Demonstrated ability to translate two-dimensional design intent into high-quality three-dimensional surface models.
• Strong understanding of surface continuity, curvature, highlight quality, section development, and automotive form.
• Experience working with designers and engineers in a collaborative automotive studio environment.
• Ability to interpret engineering CAD, package information and technical requirements while preserving design intent.
• Experience developing digital models through multiple stages of the automotive design development process.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently when required. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality data against program timing.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting production vehicle programs from concept development through design freeze and production release.

• Experience with exterior and/or interior Class-A surfacing.
• Experience working with scan, mesh and reverse-engineered data.
• Familiarity with visualization, rapid prototyping, milling, and additive-manufacturing workflows.
• Understanding of the automotive manufacturing processes and their influence on surface development.
• Experience working within a fast-paced automotive design studio or start-up environment.

Key Competencies

• Design Sensitivity – Strong understanding of proportion, form, surface and the ability to accurately interpret and preserve design intent.
• Surface Quality – Ability to create technically robust, visually refined automotive surfaces appropriate to the maturity of the program.
• Collaboration – Works effectively across Design, Studio Engineering, Engineering, Visualization and other cross-functional teams.
• Problem Solving – Identifies modelling and feasibility issues early and develops practical solutions without unnecessarily compromising design intent.
• Execution – Able to work efficiently against changing program priorities while maintaining a high standard of digital model quality.
• Communication – Clearly communicates modelling status, technical issues and potential solutions to designers, engineers and leadership.

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 Affirimmative 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].