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Head of Body Operations and Engineering

Warsaw, IN

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.  We are unable to financially sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this opportunity currently.

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’re Looking For:

Slate is seeking a Head of Body Operations and Engineering to lead the full scope of BIW operations, from early process design through launch and production. This hands-on leadership role will be responsible for planning, executing, and scaling our BIW line, with a focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

 

What You’ll Do:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

  • Develop and lead BIW manufacturing strategy to meet company production and quality goals.
  • Translate product requirements into efficient, scalable manufacturing systems.
  • Set performance targets and align cross-functional teams around clear production objectives.

Process & Tooling Development

  • Collaborate with Engineering to influence BIW design for manufacturability.
  • Lead the definition, design, sourcing, and implementation of BIW tooling and equipment.
  • Oversee integration of new technologies and automation into production lines.

Launch Execution & Continuous Improvement

  • Manage process development, pilot builds, and production ramp-up.
  • Own delivery of manufacturing engineering (ME) milestones including safety, tooling, integration, and readiness.
  • Lead resolution of launch and production issues, driving root cause analysis and permanent solutions.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in quality, cost, and throughput.

Team & Vendor Management

  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing BIW manufacturing team.
  • Provide oversight and direction to integrators, vendors, and contractors.
  • Partner with suppliers to evaluate and implement advanced tooling technologies.

Safety & Compliance

  • Establish and enforce strict safety protocols and lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Ensure all operations comply with regulatory and company safety standards.

Reporting & Communication

  • Track key performance metrics (KPI) and provide regular updates to senior leadership.
  • Maintain detailed records of production status, tooling condition, and process improvements.

 

What You Bring to the Team

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field; master’s preferred.
  • 10–15 years of experience in automotive manufacturing leadership, with deep expertise in Body-in-White processes.
  • Proven success managing large-scale BIW operations, launches, and cross-functional teams.
  • In-depth knowledge of tool design, GD&T, coordinated datum strategies, and BIW welding techniques.
  • Experience leading outside integrators and vendors in tooling development and installation.
  • Proficiency in project management, production planning, and issue resolution.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and innovation.

Why Join Team Slate? 

We’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Slate’s 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

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 recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.

 

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