Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis Accessories

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

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis Accessories, to lead the design and release of Suspension Lift and Lower Kit accessories, ensuring FMVSS compliance and vehicle dynamics targets while applying APQP processes.

You will collaborate with product management, Purchasing, and cross-functional teams to create DFMEA, DVP&R, drawings, control plans, and valid documentation, delivering on time with quality and regulatory objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related engineering field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years automotive chassis engineering experience.
• Experience with Suspension Lift and Lower Kits desired.
• Strong knowledge of FMVSS, chassis components, and APQP documentation.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient Chassis Accessories, including Suspension Lift and Lower Kits.
• Directly impact vehicle dynamics by designing and releasing accessory components and hardware.
• Prepare APQP documentation: DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, drawings, and control plans.
• Collaborate with product management and Purchasing to source accessories and evaluate supplier technicals.
• Create and release specs for Suspension Lift and Lower Kits with the Ride Control DRE.
• Ensure FMVSS compliance for accessory combinations and interface compatibility.
• Manage part changes and resolve durability and assembly issues.
• Deliver on program milestones with complete documentation and labeling.
• Lead design reviews at required milestones; liaise with suppliers.

Skills

Suspension design

Vehicle dynamics

APQP process

DFMEA

DVP&R

Engineering documentation

CATIA V5

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Catia V5

PLM systems

ADAMS

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 for a dynamic, experienced Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis Accessories to join our growing team. This role will be responsible for the design and release of Suspension Lift and Lower Kits accessories for Slate vehicles, ensuring full compliance with FMVSS requirements when accessories are installed. The individual will be responsible for understanding the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets, while also evaluating how accessory components impact overall vehicle dynamics and individual system performance. Utilizing the APQP process and supporting documentation, this position will ensure Slate’s quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient Chassis Accessories, including Suspension Lift and Lower Kits.
• Directly impact vehicle dynamics of accessorized vehicles by being responsible for the design and release of Suspension Lift and Lower Kit accessories, including supporting hardware.
• Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans.
• Collaborate with the Accessories product manager and Purchasing in the sourcing of new Chassis Accessories / Systems, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective.
• Create, specify, and release Suspension Lift and Lower Kits, working directly with our Chassis Ride Control Components DRE to ensure vehicle functional objectives are met.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that combinations of accessories meet all FMVSS requirements.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Manage changes to parts / systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification / labeling.
• Lead Design Reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Act as the primary liaison between Slate and suppliers of the parts under your umbrella.
• Engage with Accessories, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust Chassis Accessories / Systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of Chassis Accessories / Systems, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Create or assist in the creation of Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for your parts.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive Chassis engineering, preferably with Suspension Lift and Lower Kits.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 2 of the following areas / components:
  • Initial suspension architecture selection and design and hardpoint file creation.
  • Suspension Lift and Lower Kit design and release.
  • Suspension component design and release and/or product engineering.
  • Chassis fasteners and fastener testing.
• Strong understanding of suspension kinematics and their effects on vehicle dynamics.
• Strong understanding of factors affecting suspension component durability.
• Strong understanding and proficiency in the APQP process and related documentation.
• Experience working with Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.).
• Modeling skills are also a plus.
• Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes.
• Experience working with ADAMS chassis software is a plus.
• Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements.
• Technical writing and documentation experience.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

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.

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 Aff…

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.