Supplier Quality Engineer, Safety & Restraints

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. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR SLATE is looking for an energetic, organized, experienced Supplier Quality Engineer, Safety & Restraints to join our growing team. The Supplier Quality Engineer, Safety & Restraints will own supplier quality activities for Slate’s passive safety commodity portfolio — including airbags, steering wheels, and seat belts. Given the safety-critical nature of these components, this role demands a disciplined approach to APQP, PPAP, and ongoing production quality, with a deep understanding of the regulatory, functional, and traceability requirements that govern restraint system suppliers. WHAT YOU GET TO DO In this position, the candidate will be responsible for managing the full APQP and PPAP process for airbag modules, steering wheel assemblies, and seat belt systems — ensuring that safety-critical suppliers meet Slate’s quality requirements and all applicable regulatory and functional safety standards. Day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing and approving PPAP submissions, conducting supplier process audits (VDA 6.3 or equivalent), issuing and driving closure on SCARs, monitoring supplier quality performance metrics, and supporting containment and corrective action for any field or production quality escapes. The SQE will coordinate closely with Slate’s Vehicle Safety and Systems Engineering teams to ensure supplier output aligns with design intent and homologation requirements, maintain component traceability records in support of any potential recall or field action scenarios, support GP-12 and incoming inspection activities at launch, and build strong, accountable supplier relationships across Tier 1 and Tier 2 restraint system partners. WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM Engineering Degree or equiv. or previous working level experience 5+ years of Supplier Quality experience; prior experience with safety-critical or restraint system commodities (airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, or equivalent) strongly preferred. Excellent communication and supplier relationship skills, with the ability to hold safety-critical suppliers to the highest standards while maintaining productive, collaborative partnerships. Direct experience with passive safety components including airbag modules (driver, passenger, side curtain), steering wheel assemblies, and seat belt / pretensioner systems. Strong ability to identify process and product non-conformances in safety-critical manufacturing environments and drive structured corrective action to verified, sustainable closure. Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and regulatory requirements (FMVSS) as they relate to supplier design and manufacturing obligations for restraint systems. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and functional specifications for safety-critical assemblies; experience reviewing DFMEA/PFMEA documentation for restraint system components. Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills High level of integrity and accountability; understands the human consequence of quality failures in safety-critical systems and holds suppliers and themselves to the highest standard of rigor. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment while maintaining the discipline and thoroughness required for safety-critical supplier quality management. Salary Range The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors. Base Pay Range (Annual) $85,430.91 - $128,146.37 USD Annual Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs. WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE? At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move 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 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 an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. About Us 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.