Principal Software Development Engineer - Frontend

About Slate

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

We’re looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer - Frontend to help lead our software development in the electric vehicle space. You will focus on defining and building our digital customer experience. You must be able to thrive and succeed in a fast‑paced startup environment where your contributions have a direct impact on the company’s direction and success and should not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities.

• Lead the definition, design, architecture, implementation, and delivery of Slate software.
• Code and test system components, leading code and design reviews.
• Own end‑to‑end code quality, system tests, functional tests, and integration.
• Relentlessly simplify, demonstrating significant innovation, creativity, and judgement when solving challenging problems.
• Collaborate with UX and product teams to build and invent new solutions and applications that put customers first.
• Serve as an authority on technical issues within the technical and business community and be frequently consulted for making difficult trade‑off decisions.
• Drive awareness about the impact and consequences of technical decisions on the business, balancing technical leadership with strong business judgment to make the right long‑term decisions about technology choices.
• Assist in the career development of others, actively mentoring individuals and the community on advanced technical issues and helping managers guide the career growth of their team members.

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or equivalent work experience.
• 12+ years of professional software development experience.
• 10+ years of programming experience with at least one modern language, such as Java or C++.
• 10+ years of experience in full‑stack mobile development – Android / iOS or modern web browsers and services, mainly in Java in a Linux or Unix environment.
• 10+ years of experience contributing to the architecture and design (architecture, design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and current systems.
• 10+ years of experience with the full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience.
• 7+ years of experience leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems.
• Work Authorization Requirement:
  Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles. Safety First, Delight Customers, One Team, Relentless Improvement, Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy, Respectful Collaboration, Positive Legacy.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidant Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. We also commit to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at slate-o.

At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes.

But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.