Senior Body Closures DRE

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate, based in the USA, is hiring a Sr. Body Closures Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) to lead the design and development of vehicle body closures and related assemblies.

You will own components from concept through production, targeting manufacturability, cost, and timing, while collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams. Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of vehicle design experience focused on body closures, plus knowledge of NHTSA/FMVS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years in vehicle design with a focus on body closures and mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes: injection molding, die casting, stampings.
• Broad understanding of NHTSA and FMVSS requirements for body closures.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Hands-on problem solving and supplier-facing experience.
• Experience working with external engineering partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of body closures and closure assemblies.
• Own exterior components from concept through launch.
• Ensure manufacturability and production readiness.
• Meet vehicle performance, quality, cost, mass, and timing targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and partners.
• Support design reviews and continuous improvement.

Skills

Body closures design

Mechanical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier engagement

Problem-solving mindset

Manufacturing knowledge

Regulatory knowledge (NHTSA/FMVS)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

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

Slate is building the next generation of safe, affordable, and customizable vehicles—challenging conventional automotive design and manufacturing models. We are looking for a Sr. Body Closures Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) to join our growing engineering team and play a key role in delivering innovative, high-quality vehicle systems.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

As a Body Closures DRE at Slate, you will be an integral member of a fast-paced, collaborative engineering team responsible for the design and development of vehicle body closures and related assemblies. You will own components from concept through production, ensuring all technical, cost, and timing targets are met. Lead the design and development of body closures and closure assemblies, including doors, hoods, liftgates, and associated mechanisms. Define and execute functional objectives to meet vehicle performance, quality, cost, mass, and timing targets. Own exterior component development activities from concept through launch, ensuring manufacturability and production readiness. Collaborate closely with cross-functional internal teams, external partners, and suppliers to meet all program requirements. Ensure designs comply with applicable NHTSA and FMVSS regulations related to body closures. Support design reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the development cycle.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years of vehicle design experience with a focus on body closures and mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including injection molding, die casting, and stampings.
• Broad knowledge of NHTSA / FMVSS requirements applicable to body closures.
• Proven communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.
• Ability and desire to work in a fun, fast-paced, and innovative environment.
• Hands-on mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and external engineering partners.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

• 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 Afficiative 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.