About the role
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
As a key member of our Safety team, you will play a critical role in shaping the crash performance, occupant protection, and high-voltage safety strategies for our next-generation electric products, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards. We are seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Safety Engineer to join Slate’s Safety team. This role will be responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing the crash performance of our exciting new products.
| 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 and leadership teams
Build and maintain test validation plans, including test asset usage, collaboration with test facilities, conducting pre- and post-test checks, and completing crash vehicle reviews and assessments
Cross-functionally coordinate safety asset builds with correct content, develop test requests, and oversee instrumentation and data capture for crash sensing and restraint system development
Lead occupant protection development activities including occupant injury assessment, restraint tuning, occupant kinematics evaluation, and correlation of CAE, sled, and vehicle test results to achieve safety performance targets
CAE model-to-test correlation for structure and occupant performance
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, occupant protection, and compliance issues
Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional decisions to prioritize safety
Engage with suppliers, third-party test facilities, 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 TEAM
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Automotive, or Biomedical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
10+ years of direct automotive experience in vehicle safety, crash testing, or restraint system development
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)
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.
Strong knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, and NCAP protocols
Experience with occupant performance assessment, restraint system development, occupant injury criteria, and occupant kinematics across regulatory and consumer rating crash modes
Experience planning and executing quasi-static and dynamic crash tests
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
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.
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
slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.