Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE), Accessories

Slate Auto • Troy, MI

1d

About The Position

Slate is seeking an 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 Slate Maker accessories and 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; and leads containment and corrective action for quality issues. It also coordinates incoming inspection requirements, supports tooling and capacity confirmations, and conducts supplier audits using VDA 6.3 or an equivalent standard. The SQE works cross-functionally with Accessories Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure components meet Slate’s quality standards and provide a consistent, high-quality customer experience.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Slate is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

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, holding PPAP approval authority, and conducting supplier readiness assessments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• 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.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.
• Authorization 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 standard.
• Work cross-functionally with Accessories Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure accessories components meet Slate’s quality standards and provide a consistent customer experience.
• Use PPAP status tracking, supplier milestone management, and accessories program readiness metrics to support program readiness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed