Intern, Prototype Engineering

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 seeking an Intern, Prototype Engineering to do hands-on, real-world engineering work that directly contributes to the performance, comfort, and refinement of our vehicles. You will support the development, testing, and optimization of vehicle performance and functionality attributes across multiple systems and components. This role combines analytical work, instrumentation, on-vehicle testing, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering groups such as Chassis, Electrical, and Powertrain. This is a hands-on position where you will instrument vehicles to identify issues and develop data mining tools to categorize the conditions that lead to root cause identification.

Requirements

• Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Must be graduating between August 2026 and May 2029.
• Must be able to work full-time (40 hours per week).
• Strong interest in gaining hands-on experience in a prototype engineering environment.
• Ability to interpret and understand engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Highly adaptable and proactive.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and vehicle / plant environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, build, and iteration of vehicle and subsystem prototypes, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal components.
• Assist engineers with prototype assembly, teardown, modification, and testing in a fast-paced EV development environment.
• Develop and document prototype processes, test plans, and results to support design validation and rapid design changes.
• Work cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and test teams to resolve fit, function, and performance issues.
• Utilize basic CAD tools, measurement equipment, and shop tools to fabricate, modify, and evaluate prototype parts.
• Help track prototype parts, configurations, and changes, ensuring accurate documentation and build integrity.
• Develop hands-on experience in fabricating and reworking prototype components.
• Gain practical experience with industry-standard tools and software, including CATIA, Polarion (for project management), and CANalyzer.

What This Job Offers

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