Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis Accessories

Slate Auto•Troy, MI

21h

About The Position

At Slate, we are committed to building safe, reliable, and customizable vehicles in the USA, supporting reindustrialization. We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Release Engineer for Chassis Accessories to join our expanding team. This role involves the design and release of Suspension Lift and Lower Kits for Slate vehicles, ensuring full compliance with FMVSS requirements post-installation. The successful candidate will be responsible for understanding vehicle technical specifications and performance targets, evaluating how accessory components affect vehicle dynamics and system performance. Utilizing the APQP process and supporting documentation, this position will ensure Slate's quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are met and maintained throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required.
8+ years of experience in automotive Chassis engineering, preferably with Suspension Lift and Lower Kits.
Applications-specific experience in at least 2 of the following areas / components: Initial suspension architecture selection and design and hardpoint file creation. Suspension Lift and Lower Kit design and release. Suspension component design and release and/or product engineering. Chassis fasteners and fastener testing.
Strong understanding of suspension kinematics and their effects on vehicle dynamics.
Strong understanding of factors affecting suspension component durability
Strong understanding and proficiency in the APQP process and related documentation.
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).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is preferred.
Modeling skills are also a plus.
Experience working with ADAMS chassis software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient Chassis Accessories, including Suspension Lift and Lower Kits.
Directly impact vehicle dynamics of accessorized vehicles by being responsible for the design and release of Suspension Lift and Lower Kit accessories, including supporting hardware.
Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans.
Collaborate with the Accessories product manager and Purchasing in the sourcing of new Chassis Accessories / Systems, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective.
Create, specify, and release Suspension Lift and Lower Kits, working directly with our Chassis Ride Control Components DRE to ensure vehicle functional objectives are met.
Work with affected teams to ensure that combinations of accessories meet all FMVSS requirements.
Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
Manage changes to parts / systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified.
Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification / labeling.
Lead Design Reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
Act as the primary liaison between Slate and suppliers of the parts under your umbrella.
Engage with Accessories, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust Chassis Accessories / Systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
Ensure validation of Chassis Accessories / Systems, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
Create or assist in the creation of Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for your parts.