Manager - Steering and Brake Systems

Slate Auto • Troy, MI

1d

About The Position

ABOUT SLATE 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. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR Slate is looking for a dynamic, experienced Manager, Steering and Brake Systems to join our growing team. The Manager, Steering and Brake Systems is responsible for leading the design, development, and delivery of Steering and Brake systems for Slate vehicles. This role includes supervising and mentoring Design Release Engineers (DREs) while ensuring systems achieve performance targets, feature requirements, cost objectives, program timing, and full compliance with FMVSS regulations. The position requires a strong understanding of overall vehicle technical requirements and performance goals. The Manager will oversee and support the APQP process and associated documentation, ensuring that all Steering and Brake system objectives are achieved throughout the vehicle lifecycle, with a particular focus on functional performance and system integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in automotive Steering or Brake systems, with skills including:
• Strong product knowledge in Steering or Brake system components, tuning variables, features, and specifications.
• Strong understanding of initial sizing of Foundation Brakes and/or Steering rack power requirements.
• Strong understanding of Steering kinematics and their effects on vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with Steering or Brake system design and release, Design Verification Plan (DVP) creation, and SW feature integration.
• Applications-specific experience in at least three (3) of the following areas: Foundation Brake component product engineering. Steering rack, column, or I-shaft design and product engineering. Steering or Brake system warranty problem solving. Steering or Brake system sizing and architecture definition.
• 2+ years in an automotive engineering leadership role, with proven experience mentoring others in the above areas.
• Experience working with Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.).
• Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes.
• Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements.
• Technical writing and documentation experience.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• 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).
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree is preferred.
• Modeling skills are also a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Design Release Engineers (DREs) for Steering and Brake systems, influencing vehicle feel and dynamics while guiding the team to meet system performance, feature, timing, and quality targets.
• Set Steering and Brake system targets for future vehicles, including hardware selection and sizing.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives, including BOM savings and ongoing cost improvements.
• Own and maintain APQP documentation (DFMEA, engineering specifications, DVP&R, drawings, and control plans) while overseeing system-level DFMEAs and reporting overall chassis validation (DVP) status.
• Serve as Launch Zone Team Leader for Chassis in support of program launches, ensuring proper execution of end-of-line (EOL) testing, evac and fill processes, and supplier compliance.
• Manage and coordinate development vehicle usage, testing, calibrations, and software releases across Steering and Brake systems to ensure efficient and timely delivery
• Serve as the primary interface to Electrical and Software teams for Chassis controls and calibration, while representing Steering and Brake systems in leadership reviews and program updates.
• Ensure Steering and Brake systems support any and all Accessory variations (e.g., wheels, tires, lift / lower kits, etc.) while maintaining compatibility with all interfacing components and hardware.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Body, Interior, Accessories, Design, Vehicle Integration, and Safety.

Benefits

• At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail.
• The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward.
• Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.
• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

What This Job Offers

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