Sr. Design and Release Engineer - Seating

Re:Car • Troy, MI

5d

About The Position

Slate is seeking a Senior Design Release Engineer, Seat Complete, to design and release seating systems for Slate vehicles. The role is responsible for ensuring seating systems meet vehicle technical specifications, performance targets, occupant comfort goals, and applicable FMVSS requirements. Using the APQP process and supporting documentation, the engineer will help achieve and sustain quality, performance, and regulatory objectives throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

The position leads development of complete seating systems and their components, including JIT components, foam, trim, structures, heating, and ventilation. It works across vehicle integration and other teams, as well as with suppliers, to create and release components, accommodate accessories, resolve system issues, and deliver validated products and required documentation on program milestones. The role also leads design reviews and supports product assembly document development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in automotive seating system engineering.
• Application-specific experience in at least three of the following: seat JIT integration; seat complete FMVSS, IIHS, and other third-party rating validation; seat foam and trim design; seat structure design.
• Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specifications.
• Strong understanding of occupant kinematics and their effects on vehicle validation.
• Experience using CATIA V5 to open and save models or drawings, edit drawings, section cut, and take measurements.
• Experience working within a PLM system, releasing components, and processing engineering changes.
• Functional experience with NHTSA/FMSS, 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 and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability and proactivity in fast-paced startup and new-model launch environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be authorized to work permanently in the United States; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of cost-, weight-, and functionally efficient complete seating systems, including integration of JIT components, foam, trim, structures, heating, and ventilation.
• Take responsibility for the design and release of complete seats, including supporting hardware and software, with a focus on occupant comfort.
• Prepare and manage APQP documentation, including DFMEAs, engineering specifications, DVP&Rs, drawings, and control plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing on sourcing seating components and systems, including supplier technical reviews and evaluation of functional and financial considerations.
• Create, specify, and release seating components in collaboration with Vehicle Integration teams to meet vehicle functional objectives.
• Coordinate with affected teams to ensure accessories are properly accommodated by the seat and electrical systems.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Manage part and system changes and resolve functional, durability, and assembly issues.
• Deliver products that meet quality and reliability requirements and program milestones, with required documentation and identification or labeling.
• Lead design reviews for each component or system at required milestones.
• Serve as the primary Slate liaison for suppliers of assigned parts.
• Collaborate with Accessories, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration, and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification teams to deliver production-ready seating systems.
• Ensure seating system validation by reviewing test loads, setups, reports, and results for internal and external testing.
• Create or assist in creating Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for assigned parts.

What This Job Offers

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