Plant Vehicle Engineer, Body Full Time NEW

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 currently seeking a dynamic, highly organized, and experienced Plant Vehicle Engineer- Body to join our growing team at Slate. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a transformative organization at the forefront of sustainable mobility. This position will serve as a liaison between the Engineering organizations and the Warsaw Assembly Plant and will work closely with key stakeholders across Plant Quality, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, End of Line, and other operational teams on issue resolution and overall KPI improvements.

What You Get To Do

Production Process Support & Improvement

• Support issue resolution for Body Department related issues originating from the plant, field, and suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with Design Engineering to develop and launch products into mass production with minimal impact to plant metrics.
• Drive part, assembly, and system optimization efforts through the appropriate Engineering channels.
• Conduct process simulations and risk assessments to identify potential improvements.
• Support the optimization of plant layouts, processes, tooling, material flow, waste management, etc.
• Perform data analytics to improve design and performance of the manufacturing system
• Participate in model development launch activities including design reviews, virtual builds, part and assembly trials, validation builds, and provide feedback/approvals.
• Support the development and introduction of processes and equipment associated with early prototype builds, key processes, and equipment improvement opportunities throughout prototype builds
• Support Launch/Model Year Change activities for your respective area(s).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and collaborate with all relevant departments to ensure seamless integration of new parts, assemblies, systems, and model change-over activities within the plant.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to continuously optimize assembly processes ensuring alignment with Engineering and Design intent.
• Work with cross functional teams to ensure parts, processes, and assembly methods meet all established safety requirements.
• Adhere to Engineering processes and standards to ensure efficient issue resolution and program launches.
• Participate in cross-functional collaboration between Plant Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and all relevant Engineering departments to resolve design related issues affecting the plant and field

Quality

• Ensure part designs, systems, and processes meet design quality intent established by Design and Engineering
• Monitor key process indicators and take proactive action to prevent defects.
• Partner with internal and external manufacturing teams to implement best practices for inspection, measurement, and process control.

Documentation and Reporting

• Capture and interpret data to make decisions and drive improvements to all plant metrics.
• Use internal systems to collect data and critical information to drive design changes with Design and Engineering.

Education & Experience

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

• Additional technical training (Lean, 5S, Kaizan, SPC, Green Belt, etc.)
• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor’s degree, 6 years with Master’s degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience, preferably within the Automotive Industry in Body Department, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering or similar
• 4+ years of experience in vehicle development and launch with a strong understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept to mass production.

Skills

• Strong understanding of BOMs, OEE, manufacturability, process design, process validation, assembly methods, design reviews and cost reduction methodologies.
• Strong technical, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to foster collaboration and build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, and technical documents.
• Experience with AUTOCAD, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, and or similar software/tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and assignments simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions and deliver optimized solutions with a high level of attention to detail.
• Hands-on experience on assembly lines supporting with overall improvements.
• Experience in structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, DFSS, or similar).
• DFM and DFA experience.
• Ability to work on the floor more than 50% of the time.
• Flexibility to take on additional tasks and ownership of different functional areas, as needed.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 20%
• Must be willing to relocate to Warsaw, Indiana. Relocation assistance will be provided.

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 Affirmative 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

slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.