Principal Vehicle Safety Engineer

Slate Auto•Troy, MI

11d

About The Position

As a key member of our Safety team, you will play a critical role in shaping the crash performance, occupant protection, and high-voltage safety strategies for our next-generation electric products, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards. We are seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Safety Engineer to join Slate’s Safety team. This role will be responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing the crash performance of our exciting new products.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, and NCAP protocols
Experience with occupant performance assessment, restraint system development, occupant injury criteria, and occupant kinematics across regulatory and consumer rating crash modes
Ability to interpret test data and translate results into actionable design improvements
Hands-on experience with vehicle safety development across sled, subsystem, system, and full-vehicle levels
Proven success working cross-functionally with internal teams and external test facilities
Knowledge of sensing and calibration requirements for crash and restraint systems including implications when making or proposing deployment changes/trade-offs
Understanding of vehicle design for structures, restraints, interior systems, and occupant protection solutions that meet regulatory and third-party requirements
Knowledge of CAE methodologies and correlation for crashworthiness development
Understanding of FMVSS 305 for electric vehicles, ensuring HV system post-crash integrity and compliance
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Automotive, or Biomedical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
10+ years of direct automotive experience in vehicle safety, crash testing, or restraint system development
Experience with crash test setup, instrumentation, ATD preparation, data acquisition, and restraint deployment strategy
Familiarity with CAD, CAE, and post-processing tools (e.g., LS-DYNA, HyperView, Beta MetaPost)
Strong data analysis, correlation, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and presentations.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma, DOE or DFSS training/certification preferred

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, and analyze crash tests to meet FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP, and internal standards
Lead sled, subsystem, and full-vehicle crash programs, including fixture design specifications, test requests, test readiness reviews, and post-test debriefs with engineering and leadership teams
Build and maintain test validation plans, including test asset usage, collaboration with test facilities, conducting pre- and post-test checks, and completing crash vehicle reviews and assessments
Cross-functionally coordinate safety asset builds with correct content, develop test requests, and oversee instrumentation and data capture for crash sensing and restraint system development
Lead occupant protection development activities including occupant injury assessment, restraint tuning, occupant kinematics evaluation, and correlation of CAE, sled, and vehicle test results to achieve safety performance targets
CAE model-to-test correlation for structure and occupant performance
Track test progress, manage the test matrix, and report status to program leadership
Collaborate with design, CAE, manufacturing, and homologation teams to resolve structural, restraint, interior, sensing, occupant protection, and compliance issues
Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional decisions to prioritize safety
Engage with suppliers, third-party test facilities, auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed
Stay up to date on vehicle safety regulations, rating protocols, and industry best practices
Prepare and present clear technical summaries, findings, and recommendations for senior leadership