Assistant Chief Engineer - Accessories

Slate Auto•Troy, MI

About The Position

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. WHAT YOU GET TO DO Lead system-level engineering strategy for the vehicle accessories portfolio, including but not limited to roof systems, lift & lower kits, cargo management, protective equipment, lighting, and lifestyle accessories. Define and validate accessory system architecture, interfaces, and functional objectives in coordination with base vehicle engineering teams. Ensure all accessories are designed for straightforward DIY customer installation or installation by service facilities. Oversee DFMEA, DVP&R, CAE, and validation planning to ensure robust engineering execution across all accessories programs. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal engineering specifications applicable to accessories (e.g., SAE, FMVSS, ECE, trailer hitch standards). Ensure all accessories meet cost, weight, & investment targets. Lead cross-functional engineering reviews, gateway readiness assessments, and technical alignment meetings for accessories programs. Manage engineering deliverables across internal teams and Tier 1 accessories suppliers. Oversee prototype build readiness, DIY installation package development, service documentation, launch support, and engineering change management. Partner with Product and Design teams to ensure accessories are intuitive for DIY installation, with clear instructions, minimal tooling requirements, and a seamless customer experience. Collaborate with Service Engineering partners to define installation standards, technician guidance, and quality expectations for the ~4,000 Repair Pal certified shops in the Slate service network. Support the development of Slate University content, including owner-facing how-to guides, technician training materials, and accessory installation certification courses delivered via Slate's online and app-based learning platform. Engage with third-party and aftermarket accessories manufacturers interested in developing products for the Slate platform, serving as the technical interface for external partners to ensure compatibility and quality standards are met. Coordinate with Quality, Service, and Warranty teams to address field issues and implement corrective actions specific to accessories. Drive technical issue resolution using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, root cause analysis). Evaluate new accessories technologies, materials, and suppliers to support innovation, personalization strategies, and competitive differentiation. Represent engineering in executive reviews, technical forums, and customer-facing discussions as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required.
10+ years of automotive engineering experience, including system ownership or technical leadership.
Experience with accessories engineering, including mechanical, electrical, and structural accessory systems.
Technical expertise with tools such as DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, Design for Manufacturing, Lean, and other relevant tool chains.
Broad vehicle technical and vehicle development process knowledge, including how to set technical targets, determine feasibility (virtually and physically), and validate to statistical confidence (e.g., r90C90).
Knowledge of automotive regulatory standards applicable to accessories (FMVSS, SAE towing/hitch standards, ECE, ISO).
Demonstrated experience designing for DIY installation, and human factors considerations.
Excellent team building and relationship building skills, with a desire to work in a fun and fast-paced environment.
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).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is preferred.
Experience with independent service facility networks and aftermarket fitment processes preferred.
Familiarity with CATIA and PLM systems preferred.
Strong financial acumen related to accessories cost modeling, attachment rate analysis, and value engineering preferred.
Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Lead system-level engineering strategy for the vehicle accessories portfolio, including but not limited to roof systems, lift & lower kits, cargo management, protective equipment, lighting, and lifestyle accessories.
Define and validate accessory system architecture, interfaces, and functional objectives in coordination with base vehicle engineering teams.
Ensure all accessories are designed for straightforward DIY customer installation or installation by service facilities.
Oversee DFMEA, DVP&R, CAE, and validation planning to ensure robust engineering execution across all accessories programs.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal engineering specifications applicable to accessories (e.g., SAE, FMVSS, ECE, trailer hitch standards).
Ensure all accessories meet cost, weight, & investment targets.
Lead cross-functional engineering reviews, gateway readiness assessments, and technical alignment meetings for accessories programs.
Manage engineering deliverables across internal teams and Tier 1 accessories suppliers.
Oversee prototype build readiness, DIY installation package development, service documentation, launch support, and engineering change management.
Partner with Product and Design teams to ensure accessories are intuitive for DIY installation, with clear instructions, minimal tooling requirements, and a seamless customer experience.
Collaborate with Service Engineering partners to define installation standards, technician guidance, and quality expectations for the ~4,000 Repair Pal certified shops in the Slate service network.
Support the development of Slate University content, including owner-facing how-to guides, technician training materials, and accessory installation certification courses delivered via Slate's online and app-based learning platform.
Engage with third-party and aftermarket accessories manufacturers interested in developing products for the Slate platform, serving as the technical interface for external partners to ensure compatibility and quality standards are met.
Coordinate with Quality, Service, and Warranty teams to address field issues and implement corrective actions specific to accessories.
Drive technical issue resolution using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, root cause analysis).
Evaluate new accessories technologies, materials, and suppliers to support innovation, personalization strategies, and competitive differentiation.
Represent engineering in executive reviews, technical forums, and customer-facing discussions as required.