Assistant Chief Engineer

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. The Assistant Chief Engineer (ACE) serves as a senior technical leader responsible for guiding vehicle systems development from concept through launch within an automotive OEM environment. This role ensures engineering excellence, cross‑functional alignment, and delivery of program targets across performance, quality, cost, timing, and regulatory compliance. The ACE acts as the technical authority for assigned systems and supports the Chief Engineer in strategic decision‑making, risk management, and program execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or related engineering field
10+ years of automotive engineering experience, including system ownership or technical leadership
Strong understanding of vehicle development processes (V‑model, APQP, gated program structures)
Proficiency with CAD, CAE, and PLM systems (e.g., CATIA, NX, Teamcenter)
Deep knowledge of automotive regulatory standards (FMVSS, ECE, EPA, CARB, ISO, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional engineering teams
Experience with supplier management and global development environments
Strategic thinking and technical judgment
Strong communication and executive‑level presentation skills
Ability to influence without authority
Structured problem‑solving mindset
High level of accountability and ownership
Collaborative leadership style
Adaptability in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA
Experience in EV propulsion, battery systems, ADAS, or software‑defined vehicle architectures
Background in lean product development or systems engineering (INCOSE certification a plus)
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
Experience launching vehicles in multiple global markets
Strong financial acumen related to cost modeling and value engineering

Responsibilities

Lead system‑level engineering strategy for assigned vehicle domains (e.g., chassis, body, propulsion, electrical, ADAS, or interiors).
Define and validate system architecture, interfaces, and performance requirements.
Oversee DFMEA, DVP&R, CAE, and validation planning to ensure robust engineering execution.
Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards, homologation requirements, and internal engineering specifications.
Drive technical issue resolution using structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, A3, root cause analysis).
Evaluate new technologies, materials, and suppliers to support innovation and competitive advantage.
Support the Chief Engineer in delivering program objectives across cost, weight, performance, and timing.
Lead cross‑functional engineering reviews, gateway readiness assessments, and technical alignment meetings.
Manage engineering deliverables across internal teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
Oversee prototype build readiness, launch support, and engineering change management.
Track program risks, develop mitigation plans, and escalate critical issues when necessary.
Ensure engineering documentation accuracy, including BOM integrity, change notices, and release packages.
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure design‑for‑assembly and design‑for‑manufacturing compliance.
Collaborate with Purchasing and Supplier Quality to evaluate suppliers and resolve technical issues.
Work with Program Management to maintain alignment on timing, resources, and program priorities.
Coordinate with Quality, Service, and Warranty teams to address field issues and implement corrective actions.
Engage with Finance to support cost‑reduction initiatives and value‑engineering activities.
Represent engineering in executive reviews, technical forums, and customer‑facing discussions when required.
System requirements and specifications
DFMEA and PFMEA inputs
DVP&R creation and execution oversight
CAE analysis reviews and correlation plans
Prototype and production build support
Technical reports, validation summaries, and sign‑off documentation
Engineering change management and release approvals