Senior Group Leader, Manufacturing Quality Engineering

Slate; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 123,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Slate seeks a Senior Group Leader – Manufacturing Quality Engineer to guide a cross-functional team responsible for quality across all vehicle systems. You will champion a data-driven culture, drive launches, and ensure robust process control.

Lead with strategic oversight of quality programs, partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality, and uphold IATF 16949 compliance to deliver safe, reliable vehicles.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; 8 years with a Master's; 5 years with PhD or equivalent.
• Proven leadership of large, multidisciplinary quality engineering organizations.
• Experience supporting vehicle or manufacturing plant launches.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing cross-functional Manufacturing Quality Engineering organization.
• Define and execute the manufacturing quality strategy aligned with objectives and launches.
• Own escalation of quality risks and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and drive continuous improvement of the QMS.

Skills

Leadership

Quality systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven quality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD or equivalent

Tools

IATF 16949

APQP/PPAP

DFMEA/PFMEA

MSA/SPC

8D/A3/DMAIC

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 seeking a Senior Group Leader – Manufacturing Quality Engineer. This is critical leadership role responsible for leading, integrating, and developing a highly technical, cross‑functional team of Quality Engineers across all manufacturing and vehicle systems. This includes Manufacturing Operations, Vehicle Systems, Powertrain & Energy, Body, Coatings, Bonding, EE/SW, Regulatory Compliance, and Problem Solving / Quality Training.

This role ensures strong alignment of Slate’s quality strategy across all manufacturing domains, supports successful product and plant launches, and drives consistent execution of Slate’s Quality Management System (QMS) and quality culture site‑wide.

The Senior Group Leader serves as the primary escalation point for manufacturing quality risks, provides both technical and organizational leadership, and partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, EHS, and Executive Leadership to deliver safe, compliant, and robust vehicles.

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.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

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.
• Champion a preventative, data‑driven quality culture across all manufacturing operations.

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.

Scope of Leadership

The Group Leader Oversees Quality Engineering Support For

• Manufacturing Quality Engineering – General Assembly, Body, Chassis & Propulsion
• Manufacturing Quality Engineering – Coatings, E‑Coat, and Sealing
• Bonding & Adhesives Quality Engineering
• Powertrain, Energy & Drive Systems Quality Engineering
• Electrical / Electronic & Software (EE/SW) Quality Engineering
• Regulatory & Compliance Quality Engineering
• Problem Solving & Quality Training Programs

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

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
• 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.

SALARY RANGE

The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job‑related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual)

123,339.00 - 185,009.00 USD Annual

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 Affimative 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].