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Sr. Vehicle Safety Engineer

Troy, MI

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

  • Strong knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, and NCAP protocols
  • Experience planning and executing a variety of quasi-static and dynamic crash tests for a vehicle program.
  • Ability to interpret test data and translate results into actionable design improvements
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle safety development across sled, subsystem, system, and full-vehicle levels
  • Proven success working cross-functionally with internal teams and external test facilities
  • Knowledge of sensing and calibration requirements for crash and restraint systems including implications when making or proposing deployment changes/trade-offs.
  • Understanding of vehicle design for structures, restraints, interior systems, and occupant protection solutions that meet regulatory and third-party requirements
  • Knowledge of CAE methodologies and correlation for crashworthiness development
  • Understanding of FMVSS 305 for electric vehicles, ensuring HV system post-crash integrity and compliance

 

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

  • Plan, execute, and analyze crash tests to meet FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP, and internal standards
  • Lead sled, subsystem, and full-vehicle crash programs, including fixture design specifications, test requests, test readiness reviews, and post-test debriefs with engineering & leadership teams.
  • Build and maintain crash validation plans, including test asset usage, working with test houses to execute, maintaining test pre and post check requirements. Conducting pre and post test reviews.
  • Coordinate safety vehicle builds for correct content, manage test requests, work cross-functionally to understand and ensure right level of instrumentation and test data capture for our internal design/development/analysis teams.
  • Analyze test results and work with CAE teams for any correlation related requirements.
  • Track test progress, manage the test matrix, and report status to program leadership.
  • Collaborate with design, CAE, manufacturing, and homologation teams to resolve structural, restraint, interior, sensing, and compliance issues
  • Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional decisions to prioritize safety
  • Engage with suppliers, third-party auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed
  • Stay up to date on vehicle safety regulations, rating protocols, and industry best practices
  • Prepare and present clear technical summaries, findings, and recommendations for senior leadership

 

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEA

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Biomedical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
  • 8+ years of direct automotive experience in vehicle safety, crash testing, or restraint system development
  • Working level knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP, and/or ECE protocols
  • Experience with crash test setup, instrumentation, ATD preparation, data acquisition, and restraint deployment strategy
  • Familiarity with CAD, CAE, and post-processing tools (e.g., LS-DYNA, HyperView, Beta MetaPost)
  • Understanding of FMVSS 305 and electric vehicle HV safety requirements
  • Strong data analysis, correlation, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
  • Six Sigma, DOE or DFSS training/certification preferred
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and presentations

 

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 accommodations 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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