Senior Group Leader, Manufacturing Quality Engineering

Slate Auto LLC; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto LLC in Warsaw, Indiana, is seeking a Senior Group Leader – Manufacturing Quality Engineer to lead quality engineering initiatives and ensure compliance with quality standards. This role requires a minimum of 12 years of experience in quality engineering and a strong background in automotive systems.

The successful candidate will collaborate across various functions to drive quality objectives, mentor team members, and ensure robust process capability. An understanding of IATF 16949 and quality methodologies is essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of related experience required.
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary quality engineering organizations.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a cross-functional Manufacturing Quality Engineering team.
• Ensure quality readiness for new product launches.
• Maintain compliance with quality standards and lead audits.

Skills

Leadership

Quality systems expertise

Problem-solving methodologies

Communication skills

Technical expertise in automotive quality

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12+ years experience

Tools

IATF 16949

APQP/PPAP

DFMEA/PFMEA

MSA

SPC

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.

Senior Group Leader – Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy – Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing, cross‑functional Manufacturing Quality Engineering organization. Define and execute the manufacturing quality strategy aligned with company objectives, product roadmap, and launch timelines. Serve as the primary escalation point for manufacturing quality risks, systemic issues, and cross‑functional quality concerns.
• Manufacturing & Launch Support – Ensure quality readiness for new product, process, and plant launches, including risk identification and mitigation. Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to ensure robust process capability and control. Drive containment, root cause analysis, and permanent corrective actions for quality issues impacting production or customers.
• Quality Systems & Compliance – Ensure consistent application of automotive quality standards, methodologies, and regulatory requirements. Maintain compliance with IATF 16949 and applicable regulatory and safety standards. Lead audits, internal assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen the QMS.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, EHS, Program Management, and Leadership to align quality objectives across functions.
• Scope of Leadership – Oversee Quality Engineering support for the following domains:
  • General Assembly, Body, Chassis & Propulsion
  • Coatings, E‑Coat, and Sealing
  • Bonding & Adhesives
  • Powertrain, Energy & Drive Systems
  • Electrical / Electronic & Software (EE/SW)
  • Regulatory & Compliance
  • Problem Solving & Quality Training Programs

Qualifications

• Education & Experience – 12+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 8 years with Master’s degree, 5 years with PhD or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, multidisciplinary quality engineering organizations.
• Proven support of vehicle, system, or manufacturing plant launches.
• Technical Expertise – Strong working knowledge of automotive quality systems and tools, including IATF 16949, APQP/PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA, MSA, SPC and structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, A3, DMAIC).
• Leadership Competencies – Strong judgement, executive‑level communication, and decision‑making skills. Ability to balance technical detail with business priorities.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, start‑up or transformational manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and drive alignment across functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmatively 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. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures.