Sr Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Cockpit

Slate Auto LLC; Newbury (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto LLC seeks a Sr Design & Release Engineer (DRE) – Interior Cockpit to lead the design, development, and integration of phone holders, iPad mounts, and cockpit trim components for Slate vehicles.

You will own mechanical retention systems, ensure durability and usability, and drive validation across DV/PV with PPAP readiness while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to meet performance targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years automotive mechanism system engineering experience.
• Experience in mechanical mechanisms (springs, hinges, detents) and injection molding.
• FMVSS/IIHS validation experience is preferred.
• PLM knowledge for releasing components and engineering changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, validation, and launch of interior cockpit systems.
• Define kinematics, usability and one‑hand operation considerations.
• Coordinate with HVAC, body structures and electrical teams.
• Ensure PPAP documentation and regulatory targets are met.
• Lead design reviews and supplier/vendor technical reviews.
• Support prototype builds and launch readiness activities.

Skills

Mechanical mechanisms

HMI design

PLM release

Regulatory validation

Injection molding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PLM software

MS Office

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 looking for a dynamic, experienced Sr Design & Release Engineer (DRE) – Interior Cockpit to join our growing team. This role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of phone holder, iPad holding mechanisms, and cockpit trim component systems integrated within the vehicle cockpit for Slate vehicles. This includes mechanical retention systems, adjustability features, durability performance, and user interaction (HMI) considerations to ensure robust performance across all operating conditions. The individual will be responsible for understanding the vehicle's technical specifications and performance targets. 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 design, development, validation, and launch of phone/iPad holder/interior plastic trim systems including spring-loaded clamps, detent mechanisms, friction‑based retention systems, and other injection‑molded plastic trim systems
• Ensure proper packaging compatibility, interface alignment, and system‑level functionality with the cockpit, console, etc.
• Define kinematics and usability (one‑hand operation, ergonomic reach)
• Lead interface with adjacent systems (HVAC, body structures, soft trim, electrical, restraints)
• Work directly with adjacent systems teams to ensure phone/iPad holder integration meets vehicle functional objectives
• Define functional objectives to meet product performance and safety targets, ensuring products meet both functional performance and safety
• Conduct supplier and internal technical reviews to ensure packaging and design issues are addressed/resolved
• Work with affected teams to ensure accessories (removable trim covers, bins, glove box, finish panels, speaker systems, phone and iPad holders, and more) are properly accommodated by the cockpit system
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design
• Define and integrate critical characteristics (CC/SC) with adjacent systems
• Deliver products that meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary PPAP documentation
• Lead Design and Component Integration reviews for each component/system at required milestones
• Ensure validation of mechanism systems, reviewing test loads, setups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV, and launch readiness

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in automotive mechanism system engineering
• Application‑specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas/components: Mechanical mechanisms (springs, hinges, detents)
• Interior FMVSS, IIHS, and other 3rd‑party rating validation
• Plastic part design and injection molding
• Handheld device interface and user interaction (HMI) design
• Experience working within a PLM, releasing components, and processing engineering changes
• Functional experience with NHTSA/FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements
• 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)

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 Affliative 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, organisational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slte 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 slate‑[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.