Sr. DRE Engineer-Seat Complete

Slate; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Senior Design Release Engineer for Seat Complete systems to lead design release, APQP documentation, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment. You will shape seating components for vehicle integration and ensure regulatory compliance.

Applicants should have a strong background in automotive seating, Catia V5 modeling, and PLM workflows, with a proven track record of delivering on milestones and collaborating with suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or related field required.
• 8+ years of automotive Seating System engineering experience.
• Experience in at least 3 of: Seat JIT integration, FMVSS/IIHS validation, seat foam/trim design, seat structure design.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Seat Complete systems including JIT components, foam, trim, structures, heat and vent.
• Own design and release of Seat Complete hardware and software.
• Manage APQP docs: DFMEA, specs, DVP&R, drawings, control plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing on supplier reviews for cost and performance.

Skills

Seat JIT Integration

FMVSS/IIHS compliance

Seat Foam Design

Seat Structure Design

Catia V5 Modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

Catia V5

PLM system

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

A dynamic, experienced Senior Design Release Engineer, Seat Complete to join our growing team.

This role will be responsible for the design and release of Seating systems for Slate vehicles, ensuring that steering target performance and features, as well as FMVSS requirements, are met. 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 the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient Seat Complete systems including integration of JIT components, Foam, Trim, Structures, Heat and Vent.
• Directly impact occupant comfort being responsible for the design and release of the Seat complete, including supporting hardware and software.
• Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing in the sourcing of new Seating components / systems, whether for material cost reductions or new platforms, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective.
• Create, specify, and release Seating components, working directly with our Vehicle Integration teams to ensure vehicle functional objectives are met.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (like removable trim covers, heated and vented trim covers, audio accessories and more) are properly accommodated by the Seat and Electrical systems.
• 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, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust Seating systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the Seating system, 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 Seating System engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
  • Seat JIT Integration.
  • Seat complete FMVSS, IIHS and other 3rd party rating validation.
  • Seat foam and trim design.
  • Seat Structure design.
• Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specification.
• Strong understanding of occupant kinematics and their effects on vehicle validation.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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?

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 Affluent 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].