Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE), Accessories

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a driven Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for Accessories—Slate Maker to oversee supplier quality across the accessories portfolio. You will manage APQP, drive PPAP approvals, and lead containment actions to ensure conforming parts for a personalized customer experience.

Join a dynamic startup environment where you will coordinate audits, definitions, and program milestones with cross-functional teams, delivering high-quality components from soft goods to electronics.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full APQP process across an assigned accessories supplier portfolio.
• Drive PPAP submissions and approvals.
• Monitor supplier readiness against accessories program milestones.
• Lead containment and corrective action for quality issues across the Slate Maker accessories lineup.
• Coordinate incoming inspection requirements and support tooling and capacity confirmations.
• Conduct supplier audits (VDA 6.3 or equivalent).
• Work cross-functionally with the Accessories Product team, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure quality standards are met.

Skills

APQP management

PPAP approval

Supplier readiness

GD&T interpretation

Dimensional reporting

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

VDA 6.3

MSA

Cpk/Ppk

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 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

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 Affiliation 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].

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.