Slate Auto Production Control Team Member

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Production Control Team Member to support efficient material flow, inventory accuracy, line-side replenishment, cycle counting, and the safe operation of powered industrial vehicles on the plant floor.

The role requires attention to detail, safety consciousness, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. You will work in a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and timely build sequences.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment.
• Current PIV/forklift certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire
• Experience performing cycle counts and using WMS or ERP inventory systems
• Experience supporting receiving and/or shipping operations in a manufacturing or distribution environment
• Basic computer literacy (data entry, email, WMS terminals) Ability to read and interpret work orders, BOMs, bills of lading, and kanban signals

Responsibilities

• Execute scheduled milk runs to deliver parts to line‑side stations and maintain flow.
• Replenish kanban bins and line‑side locations to sustain continuous production.
• Monitor consumption and escalate shortages to production control supervisor.
• Coordinate with kitting/sequencing to deliver correct parts in order.
• Operate forklifts and tugger tow tractors safely following OSHA rules.

Skills

Cycle counts

WMS/ERP experience

Receiving & shipping ops

Basic computer literacy

Tools

Forklift certification

WMS

SAP/Oracle or similar WMS

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.

Position Summary

The Production Control Team Member supports the efficient flow of materials, parts, and information across the vehicle assembly plant. This role is responsible for inventory accuracy, line‑side replenishment, cycle counting, receiving and shipping operations, and the safe operation of powered industrial vehicles (PIVs) to ensure uninterrupted production. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, safety-conscious, and thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑volume manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Material Flow & Line‑Side Support

• Execute scheduled milk runs to deliver parts and sub‑assemblies to line‑side stations using tugger trains and carts
• Replenish kanban bins, supermarkets, and point‑of‑use locations to maintain continuous production flow
• Monitor material consumption rates and escalation shortages or discrepancies to the production control supervisor
• Coordinate with kitting and sequencing teams to ensure correct parts are delivered in the correct sequence
• Kit and sequence parts and components into bins, carts, and racks per build schedule to support line‑side and assembly operations

Inventory Management & Cycle Counting

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts per the established count schedule to ensure inventory accuracy
• Report count discrepancies immediately to the Team Leader, Cycle Counter, or Group Leader for investigation and resolution
• Maintain system‑of‑record accuracy for all part locations within assigned crib, supermarket, and storage areas
• Support physical inventory audits and year‑end counts as required
• Document all cycle count results and maintain audit‑ready records

Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV) Operation

• Safely operate forklifts (sit‑down counterbalance, reach truck) and tugger tow tractors in compliance with OSHA standards and plant PIV policies
• Conduct pre‑shift PIV inspections and complete required checklists; report deficiencies immediately
• Adhere to all speed limits, traffic lanes, and pedestrian right‑of‑way protocols within the facility
• Maintain PIV certification and participate in required refresher training
• Report PIV incidents, near‑misses, and unsafe conditions through the plant safety reporting system

Receiving & Shipping Support

• Support inbound receiving operations including unloading, verification, and inspection of incoming parts, materials, and supplier shipments against purchase orders and ASNs
• Accurately scan, label, and put‑away received materials in designated warehouse or line‑side locations using the WMS
• Assist with outbound shipping activities including staging, packing, labeling, and loading of finished goods, returnable containers, and supplier returns
• Verify shipment accuracy against bills of lading, packing lists, and shipping orders; document and elevate discrepancies
• Maintain a clean, organized dock area and ensure compliance with FIFO and material handling procedures
• Coordinate with logistics and production planning teams to prioritize urgent inbound deliveries and expedite critical parts to the line

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Follow all plant safety procedures, PPE requirements, and ergonomic guidelines
• Identify and report damaged, incorrect, or non‑conforming parts to the appropriate team
• Actively participate in 5S activities to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area
• Support Kaizen events, standard work development, and continuous improvement initiatives as directed

Minimum Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment
• Current PIV/forklift certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire
• Demonstrated experience performing cycle counts and using WMS or ERP inventory systems
• Experience supporting receiving and/or shipping operations in a manufacturing or distribution environment
• Basic computer literacy (data entry, email, WMS terminals) Ability to read and interpret work orders, BOMs, bills of lading, and kanban signals

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive or vehicle assembly or high volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (kanban, 5S, standard work)
• Experience kitting and sequencing parts to a production build schedule
• Experience operating forklifts and tugger tow tractors
• SAP or Oracle or similar WMS experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted; team lift required for loads above 50 lbs
• Prolonged standing, walking, and bending throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in a climate‑varying production environment (heat, noise, dust)
• Ability to operate PIVs for extended periods

Work Environment & Schedule

This position works on the plant floor in an active vehicle assembly environment. Exposure to moving machinery, PIV traffic, and industrial noise is expected. The role may require rotating shifts (day, afternoon, night), weekend coverage, and overtime during launch periods, model changeovers, or high‑volume production cycles.

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 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.