Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis Accessories

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.

Slate is looking for a dynamic, experienced Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis Accessories to join our growing team.

This role will be responsible for the design and release of Suspension Lift and Lower Kits accessories for Slate vehicles, ensuring full compliance with FMVSS requirements when accessories are installed. The individual will be responsible for understanding the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets, while also evaluating how accessory components impact overall vehicle dynamics and individual system performance. Utilizing the APQP process and supporting documentation, this position will ensure Slate’s quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• 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.).…