Head of Quality

Slate Auto•Troy, MI

5d•$185,293 - $308,822

About The Position

The Head of Quality, Accessories & SUV is a senior leadership role with end-to-end accountability for quality across the Accessories and SUV programs. This role uniquely spans both Program Quality and Supplier Quality — owning product quality planning and development from DFMEA and DVP through PPAP readiness and launch, while simultaneously leading the supplier quality function across Exterior Accessories, Interior Accessories, Audio/Tech/Lighting, SUV Kit, and related commodity segments. You will build, lead, and develop a team of Project Quality Engineers (PQEs) and Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) embedded across these programs, serving as the primary quality interface between Slate and its accessory and SUV supply base and engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle and into series production. You will also carry accountability for quality reporting and cross-functional escalation, representing quality risk posture to executive leadership on a routine basis. This role requires a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable driving design quality strategy, reviewing a PPAP submission, escalating a distressed supplier, and presenting risk posture to executive leadership. You will be a decisive voice in launch readiness decisions and a champion for quality standards across the Accessories and SUV programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field; advanced degree a plus
12+ years of experience in automotive quality engineering; at least 4 years in a leadership role spanning Program Quality or Supplier Quality
Deep expertise across APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, FMEA (AIAG-VDA 2019), DVP&R, control plans, MSA, and SPC.
Demonstrated experience leading both program/product quality and supplier quality functions simultaneously — not one in isolation
Hands-on experience managing quality across accessory commodities, exterior/interior systems, and/or EV-specific integration challenges
Strong track record managing distressed suppliers and driving quality recovery in a high-velocity launch environment
Experience with eQMS platforms and building scalable quality infrastructure in a growing or greenfield organization
Ability to interpret and present complex supplier risk and program quality data to executive and cross-functional audiences

Nice To Haves

Experience in an EV startup or greenfield manufacturing launch environment
Hands-on experience with automotive accessory systems — audio, lighting, exterior/interior trim, roof and closure systems, or smart tech features
Familiarity with VDA 6.3 process audits, AIAG supplemental PPAP requirements, and FMVSS regulatory requirements applicable to accessories and SUV systems
Experience deploying or administering IntellaQuest or a comparable eQMS platform across a supply base
Familiarity with Polarion, Windchill, or similar PLM/requirements management tools
CQE, CQM, Six Sigma Black Belt, or IATF lead auditor certification

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of PQEs and SQEs aligned to Accessories and SUV programs and commodity segments
Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations across Program Quality and Supplier Quality functions
Establish consistent work practices, reporting cadences, and accountability structures across the team
Recruit and build team capacity aligned to program launch milestones, engineering complexity, and supplier portfolio scope
Partner with Engineering on DFMEA and DVP&R development for Accessories and SUV programs, applying AIAG-VDA 2019 methodology including Action Priority ratings
Drive closure of high-priority design risk items through rigorous validation planning, test management, and issue tracking in Polarion and related tools
Partner with Engineering on DFM/DFA reviews, GD&T assessments, tolerance stack-up analysis, and KPC/CTQ definition for accessory systems and SUV body structures
Define and maintain quality technical standards, inspection criteria, and process controls for accessory system integration and SUV-specific body, closures, and roof systems
Own issue management and requirements traceability for Accessories and SUV programs; ensure quality gates are clearly defined and enforced at each APQP phase
Track and report on dimensional, functional, and reliability quality issues; drive closure through DVP test results and structured corrective action
Represent program quality risk in cross-functional program reviews; escalate concerns with clarity and urgency to Program Management and senior leadership
Lead APQP execution across Accessories and SUV commodity segments; drive PPAP readiness for DV, PV, and Job 1 build events to Slate timing and quality gates
Lead or oversee supplier audits (process and system) for accessory and SUV commodity suppliers; administer Slate's Quality Requirements Manual across the supply base
Maintain real-time view of supplier risk posture across the Accessories and SUV supplier portfolio using structured risk profiling, scorecards, and audit findings
Lead or oversee engagement with distressed suppliers, including recovery planning, escalation protocols, and containment actions (GP-12, SCARs, corrective action closure)
Partner with Purchasing on supplier sourcing decisions, providing quality input on supplier selection, capability assessments, and dual-sourcing needs
Drive deployment of IntellaQuest eQMS modules (SupplierQuest, PPAPQuest, AuditQuest, PRRQuest) across the Accessories and SUV supply base
Coordinate with SQEs embedded at supplier sites to ensure consistent application of Slate quality standards during critical builds and validation events
Own and continuously improve quality work instructions, RACI matrices, and standard operating procedures for Accessories and SUV in alignment with IATF 16949
Define and govern supplier onboarding, qualification, and ongoing monitoring standards for Accessories and SUV commodities
Partner with peer quality leaders (Plant Quality, Corporate SQ) to align quality standards and eliminate process gaps at functional interfaces
Author and maintain the team's standard playbook: APQP gate criteria, PPAP submission requirements, audit protocols, and corrective action escalation thresholds
Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned integration, process benchmarking, and structured capability-building across the PQE and SQE team
Compile and publish weekly Q-Reports consolidating team inputs on top risks, MRD-at-risk parts, PPAP blockers, and cross-program themes for leadership audiences
Maintain executive-ready reporting on PPAP status, audit findings, DVP progress, corrective action closure, and supplier quality KPIs
Communicate proactively with senior leadership on quality risks that may affect launch timing, build event readiness, or vehicle/accessory quality
Support Board of Directors and investor-level quality briefings as required