Process Engineer, Body

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto is seeking a Process Engineer for the body shop to sustain, optimize and improve manufacturing processes. You will support daily production, drive efficiency and ensure safe operations.

The role requires Lean/Six Sigma proficiency, strong analytical skills, and collaboration with multiple teams to meet quality and throughput targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering.
• 6–8 years of process engineering in manufacturing; automotive body assembly preferred.
• Proven experience in production support, process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with Lean/Six Sigma expertise.

Responsibilities

• Monitor day-to-day body line operations to ensure stability, quality and throughput.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce downtime, scrap and rework.
• Lead running changes with minimal disruption to production schedules.
• Conduct time studies, bottleneck analysis and capacity assessments.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Dimensional and Maintenance teams.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Production data systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love - and do 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 Process Engineer for the body shop is responsible for sustaining, optimizing and improving existing manufacturing processes for vehicle body assembly. This role focuses on supporting daily production, driving efficiency and quality improvements, managing running changes, and providing solutions to plant-floor challenges while ensuring safe and compliant operations.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

Production Process Support & Improvement: Monitor day-to-day production operations on the body line to ensure stability, quality, and throughput targets are met. Identify and implement process improvements to reduce downtime, scrap, and rework. Manage and execute running changes with minimal disruption to production schedules. Conduct time studies, bottleneck analysis, and capacity assessments to optimize production flow.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Production, Quality, Dimensional, and Maintenance teams to address process issues promptly and effectively. Gather feedback from operators, team leaders, and supervisors to identify pain points and develop practical solutions. Support quality investigations, lead root cause analysis, and drive corrective and preventive actions.

Quality & Reliability: Ensure all processes meet established quality standards and customer requirements. Monitor key process parameters and take proactive action to prevent defects. Partner with the quality team to implement best practices for inspection, measurement, and process control.

Safety & Compliance: Ensure manufacturing processes comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain safe operating procedures for equipment and processes. Promote a safety-first culture within the production environment.

Documentation & Reporting: Maintain up-to-date process documentation, standard operating procedures, and work instructions. Track and report process performance metrics and improvement results to management. Document all changes to processes and ensures change management procedures are followed.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering. 6-8 years of experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment; automotive body assembly experience highly preferred. Proven experience in production support, process optimization, and continuous improvement. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with expertise in root cause analysis. Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement tools. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. Proficiency in process analysis tools and production data systems.

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.

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 proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff...

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.