Engineering Manager, Exterior Roof Systems

Slate Auto • Troy, MI

2d

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 looking for a dynamic and experienced Engineering Manager, Exterior Roof Systems to lead a cross-functional team responsible for the successful design and integration of complex systems within our SUV product line. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering unique vehicles that meet safety, quality, and customer expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required.
• 10+ years of proven experience in Design Release Engineering with Exterior Roof systems in the automotive industry.
• Technical expert in Exterior Systems and Body Sealing in the automotive industry, with preferred experience in environmental testing and vehicle system integration.
• Experience with technical tools, such as DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, Design for Manufacturing, Lean, and other tool chains.
• Ability to use CATIA and PLM systems is required. May consider experience with other relevant CAD / PLM systems.
• Broad vehicle technical and vehicle development process knowledge, including how to set technical targets, working with teams to determine feasibility (virtually and physically), and validating statistical confidence.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Excellent team building, and relationship building skills, with a desire to build your own team and 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).
• Must have the ability to travel (up to 20%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design of the Exterior Roof System, and integration of related sub-systems.
• Develop and execute design and integration plans, timelines, and deliverables aligned with program milestones.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure seamless system compatibility and performance.
• Identify and mitigate system risks through proactive problem-solving and testing strategies.
• Oversee system-level validation and verification activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Communicate project status, challenges, and solutions to senior leadership and stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager