Sr. Project Engineer Exteriors

Sr. Project Engineer – Vehicle Accessories Exteriors ABOUT Slate At Slate, we aim to build vehicles that customers love, right here in the USA. We believe car buyers should have control over their choices. We focus on simplicity and personalization, creating a product that reflects individual preferences. Who we are looking for: We design utility accessories for personalization and adventure—engineered for performance on trails, in driveways, and everywhere in between. As Senior Project Engineer – Utility Accessories & Hard Goods, you will lead the development of exterior and structural products such as roof racks, cargo mounts, modular utility systems, and body protection gear. You will oversee technical execution with internal teams and global suppliers, ensuring performance, durability, and compliance. 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 on material selection, DFM/DFA, prototyping, testing, and production ramp-up. Ensure structural integration with vehicle mounting points and compliance with OE crash and load path criteria. Develop and execute DVP&Rs for durability, fatigue, corrosion, IP rating, and mechanical performance. Ensure compliance with 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 program gates. Partner with industrial design, product management, and operations to align performance with brand standards. Present technical risks, trade-offs, and decisions to 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. Proficiency in CATIA (V5 or V6); Windchill PLM experience strongly preferred. Experience designing and releasing structural or utility components in metals, plastics, and composites. Strong knowledge of FMVSS, SAE, ISO, and related compliance frameworks. Proven ability to bring products from concept to production with Tier 1/2 suppliers. Comfort with iterative development, supplier travel, and prototype validation. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with ability to work across engineering, design, and manufacturing teams. Why Join Team Slate? We foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, driven by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Our principles include safety, customer delight, collaboration, continuous improvement, and positive legacy. 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 are committed to diversity and inclusion: Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure, or life experiences. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance, contact us at recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.

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