Supplier Quality Engineer - Accessories

Slate Auto • Troy, MI

5d

About The Position

Slate is seeking an energetic, organized, experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE), Accessories – Slate Maker, to join its growing team. Embedded within the accessories program team, this role drives supplier quality across the Slate Maker accessories portfolio. The engineer ensures suppliers achieve PPAP approval, meet program milestones, and deliver conforming parts that support personalization and customer satisfaction.

The role manages the full APQP process for an assigned accessories supplier portfolio; drives PPAP submissions and approvals; monitors supplier readiness against program milestones; and leads containment and corrective action for quality issues. It also coordinates incoming inspection requirements, supports tooling and capacity confirmations, conducts supplier audits (VDA 6.3 or equivalent), and collaborates with Accessories Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure accessories components meet Slate’s quality standards and deliver a consistent customer experience.

Requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent, or previous working-level experience.
• At least 5 years of Supplier Quality experience with direct involvement in vehicle or product launches.
• Experience managing APQP, having PPAP approval authority, and conducting supplier readiness assessments.
• Experience with varied accessories and specialty components, including soft goods, hard goods, electronics, lighting, racks, covers, and lifestyle accessories.
• Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements in operational efficiency and product quality.
• Strong working knowledge of PPAP status tracking, supplier milestone management, and accessories program readiness metrics.
• Ability to interpret GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Experience working with suppliers on dimensional reporting, measurement system analysis (MSA), and Cpk/Ppk requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with accessories, aftermarket, or low-volume specialty components.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full APQP process across an assigned accessories supplier portfolio.
• Drive PPAP submissions and approvals.
• Monitor supplier readiness against accessories program milestones.
• Lead containment and corrective action for quality issues across the Slate Maker accessories lineup.
• Coordinate incoming inspection requirements.
• Support tooling and capacity confirmations.
• Conduct supplier audits using VDA 6.3 or an equivalent approach.
• Work cross-functionally with Accessories Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure accessories components meet quality standards.

What This Job Offers

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