Director of Vehicle Safety, Homologation, & Regulatory Compliance

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. Slate is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Vehicle Safety, Homologation, and Regulatory Compliance to lead efforts in establishing a robust vehicle safety foundation and standardizing the approach to vehicle safety. This role is critical in ensuring that vehicles are engineered, tested, and validated to meet the highest safety standards, protecting customers and enhancing brand reputation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required.
15+ years of experience in vehicle safety engineering, testing, regulatory compliance, and product liability within the automotive industry.
In-depth knowledge and expertise in FMVSS, NHTSA, CARB / EPA, and other relevant safety standards and regulations.
In depth knowledge and expertise in automotive product liability.
Proficiency in safety testing methodologies, crash simulation tools, and validation techniques.
Proven leadership and project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing safety issues.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Further develop and implement a comprehensive vehicle homologation and certification process and plan that aligns with the company's mission and objectives.
Establish long-term safety goals and ensure continuous improvement in vehicle safety performance.
Direct and guide the existing Homologation and Certification Team and establish a robust homologation and certification process with standardized methods and tools.
Ensure all vehicles comply with relevant safety regulations and standards, including FMVSS, NHTSA, CARB / EPA, and international regulations, if required.
Work in tandem with the Safety Systems engineering and Virtual Validation teams to support the homologation and certification process for vehicles, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards with laser focus on crash worthiness and occupant protection performance.
Oversee the development and execution of rigorous testing and validation protocols, including crash testing, and real-world evaluations.
Ensure all safety tests are thoroughly documented and analyzed.
Develop and implement standardized safety procedures and protocols across all vehicle programs.
Ensure consistency in safety practices and adherence to best practices.
Lead leadership cross functional discussions and decisions on product integrity topics.
Be the first line of communication with the automotive regulatory and safety authorities (i.e., NHTSA, IIHS, CARB / EPA, etc.).
Conduct field investigations into safety-related incidents, identifying root causes and working with attorneys on field incidents.
Develop and maintain a robust incident reporting and analysis system.
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, and Quality, to ensure safety is integrated into all stages of vehicle development and production.
Provide ongoing training and development for employees on vehicle safety standards, technologies, and best practices.
Promote a culture of safety within the organization.
Stay updated on the latest advancements in vehicle safety technologies and regulations.
Drive innovation in safety features and processes to maintain a competitive edge.
Prepare and present detailed reports on vehicle safety performance, incidents, and improvements to senior management and regulatory authorities.