Design Release Engineer - Steering Wheel & Front Airbags

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 Design Release Engineer to join our growing team. The Design Release Engineer – Steering Wheel & Frontal Airbags is responsible for driving the development of the Airbag system components and developing unique solutions for various applications throughout the vehicle. This candidate will manage tier‑1 airbag supplier engineers, external resources, and collaborate across the vehicle component areas as needed to optimize application solutions.

The position will ensure the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets are met throughout the life of the vehicle by creating and maintaining APQP documentation.

As the Design Release Engineer, you will lead the engineering and Tier‑1 suppliers for the steering wheel, driver airbag, and passenger airbag supporting the content listed in the Program Description Letter. You will report to the Lead – Restraints Systems Engineering manager.

• Develop functional requirements for each system and component.
• Develop technical requirements for the systems and components in collaboration with internal functions, design studio, engineering, and Tier‑1 suppliers.
• Lead and support the design, development, release, and certification of the systems and components with product development tools – CAE, CAD, BOM, Drawing Release, Software Release, DFMEA, DVP&R, Attribute Validation, Vehicle Testing, Component Testing, and Certification Reporting for all regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited or equivalent program is preferred;
  Master’s in engineering preferred.
• 8+ years of Design Release Engineering in Airbags and/or Steering Wheels.
• Experience and knowledge of the vehicle level safety development process.
• Excellent communication, team‑building, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to lead teams and tier‑one suppliers and drive technical trade‑offs with attention to detail.
• Direct working experience with NHTSA/FMVSS, NCAP, and IIHS Crash Requirements.
• Ability and desire to build your own team and work in a fun and fast‑paced environment.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not offered.

Base Pay Range (Annual): $ – $. Additional Compensation and Benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, 401k. Eligible for equity program and/or discretionary annual incentive program subject to governing rules.

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

We want to work with people that reflect the communities in which we operate.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative 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, life experiences, or any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact:
slate-o.