Senior Body Closures DRE

Slate Auto • Troy, MI

4d

About The Position

Slate is building the next generation of safe, affordable, and customizable vehicles—challenging conventional automotive design and manufacturing models. We are looking for a Sr. Body Closures Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) to join our growing engineering team and play a key role in delivering innovative, high-quality vehicle systems.
As a Body Closures DRE at Slate, you will be an integral member of a fast-paced, collaborative engineering team responsible for the design and development of vehicle body closures and related assemblies. You will own components from concept through production, ensuring all technical, cost, and timing targets are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years of vehicle design experience with a focus on body closures and mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including injection molding, die casting, and stampings.
• Broad knowledge of NHTSA / FMVSS requirements applicable to body closures.
• Proven communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.
• Ability and desire to work in a fun, fast-paced, and innovative environment.
• Hands-on mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and external engineering partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of body closures and closure assemblies, including doors, hoods, liftgates, and associated mechanisms.
• Define and execute functional objectives to meet vehicle performance, quality, cost, mass, and timing targets.
• Own exterior component development activities from concept through launch, ensuring manufacturability and production readiness.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional internal teams, external partners, and suppliers to meet all program requirements.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable NHTSA and FMVSS regulations related to body closures.
• Support design reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the development cycle.

What This Job Offers

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