Supplier Quality Engineer - Accessories

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer for the Accessories program. You will drive APQP, PPAP submissions, and supplier readiness across the Slate Maker accessories lineup to ensure conforming parts and on-time milestones.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Product teams to deliver high-quality components and a superior customer experience in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of Supplier Quality experience with vehicle or product launches.
• Experience with accessories, aftermarket, or low-volume components a plus.
• Includes APQP management, PPAP approval authority, and supplier readiness assessments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with varied accessories and specialty components (soft goods, hard goods, electronics, lighting, racks, covers, lifestyle).
• Identify process issues and drive improvements for quality and efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of PPAP status tracking and supplier milestone management.
• Interpret GD&T and drawings; work with suppliers on MSA, Cpk/Ppk requirements.
• Analytical, interpersonal, and high integrity; thrive in startup pace.

Responsibilities

• Manage full APQP process across assigned accessories supplier portfolio.
• Drive PPAP submissions and approvals for components.
• Monitor supplier readiness against program milestones.
• Lead containment and corrective action for quality issues.
• Coordinate incoming inspection requirements and tooling confirmations.
• Support capacity confirmations and supplier audits (VDA 6.3 or equivalent).
• Collaborate with Accessories Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management.

Skills

Engineering Degree

5+ years Supplier Quality

APQP management

PPAP approval authority

Supplier readiness assessments

GD&T interpretation

MSA / Cpk / Ppk requirements

Strong communication skills

Process improvement

Start-up environment adaptability

Education

Engineering Degree or equiv.

Tools

VDA 6.3 audit

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.

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.

Who We Are Looking For

SLATE is looking for an energetic, organized, experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE), Accessories - Slate Maker to join our growing team. The SQE, Accessories - Slate Maker will be embedded within Slate's accessories program team to drive supplier quality across the Slate Maker accessories portfolio. This position is responsible for ensuring accessories suppliers achieve PPAP approval, meet program milestones, and deliver conforming parts that support Slate's commitment to personalization and customer delight.

What You Get To Do

In this position, the candidate will be responsible for managing the full APQP process across an assigned accessories supplier portfolio, driving PPAP submissions and approvals, monitoring supplier readiness against accessories program milestones, and leading containment and corrective action for quality issues across the Slate Maker accessories lineup. The SQE will coordinate incoming inspection requirements, support tooling and capacity confirmations, conduct supplier audits (VDA 6.3 or equivalent), and work cross-functionally with the Accessories Product team, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure accessories components meet Slate's quality standards and deliver a consistent, high-quality customer experience.

What You Bring To The Team

• Engineering Degree or equiv. or previous working level experience
• 5+ years of Supplier Quality experience with direct involvement in vehicle or product launches; experience with accessories, aftermarket, or low-volume specialty components is a plus. Includes APQP management, PPAP approval authority, and supplier readiness assessments.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Experience with varied accessories and specialty components including soft goods, hard goods, electronics, lighting, racks, covers, and lifestyle accessories.
• Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to improve operational efficiency and product quality.
• Strong working knowledge of PPAP status tracking, supplier milestone management, and accessories program readiness metrics.
• Ability to interpret GD&T and engineering drawings; experience working with suppliers on dimensional reporting, measurement system analysis (MSA), and Cpk/Ppk requirements.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• High level of integrity
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.

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.

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.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].