Sr. Project Engineer Exteriors

Sr. Project Engineer – Vehicle Accessories Exteriors

ABOUT Slate

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 the road, not the 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.

Who we are looking for:

We design utility accessories built for personalization and real-life adventure—engineered to perform on the trail, in the driveway, and everywhere in between. As Senior Project Engineer – Utility Accessories & Hard Goods, you’ll lead the development of exterior and structural products such as roof racks, cargo mounts, modular utility systems, and body protection gear. You'll take responsibility for technical execution across internal teams and global suppliers, ensuring performance, durability, and compliance every step of the way.

What you get to do:

• Lead full-lifecycle engineering of hard-goods accessories: racks, carriers, panels, mounts, and trail systems
• Create and manage CAD models and detailed 2D drawings in CATIA; release via Windchill
• Collaborate with suppliers for material selection, DFM/DFA, prototyping, testing, and production ramp
• Ensure structural integration with vehicle mounting points and adherence to OE crash and load path criteria
• Develop and execute DVP&Rs for durability, fatigue, corrosion, IP rating, and mechanical performance
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards (FMVSS, SAE, ISO, etc.)
• Lead field validation, prototype build support, and first-off part evaluations
• Track BOM health, mass, cost targets, and engineering status through all program gates
• Partner closely with industrial design, product management, and operations to align performance and brand standards
• Present technical risks, trade-offs, and decisions to senior leadership and cross-functional teams

What you bring to the team:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field; MS or MBA a plus
• 6–10+ years in ruggedized hardware, vehicle accessories, or structural product development
• Mastery of CATIA (V5 or V6); Windchill PLM experience strongly preferred
• Experience designing and releasing structural or utility components across metals, plastics, and composites
• Strong working knowledge of FMVSS, SAE, ISO, and similar compliance/regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to bring products from concept through production with Tier 1/2 suppliers
• Comfortable with iterative development, supplier travel, and hands-on prototype validation
• Clear communicator and problem-solver, able to work across engineering, design, and manufacturing

Why Join Team Slate? 

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

 Location: Troy, MI or Long Beach, CA (Hybrid)

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 and life experiences. Or for 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 accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].