Slate Auto · 2 weeks ago
Senior Design Release Engineer, Steering Systems
Troy, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expSlate Auto is building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford and personalize. They are seeking a Senior Design Release Engineer for Steering Systems to lead the design and release of Electric Power Steering systems, ensuring performance targets and regulatory requirements are met throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleManufacturing
Hiring Manager
Sam Ciske
Responsibilities
Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient steering systems, including EPS rack, I-shaft, and steering column
Directly impact vehicle feel and vehicle dynamics by being responsible for the design and release of the steering system and its supporting hardware and software
Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans
Collaborate with Purchasing in the sourcing of new chassis steering components, whether for material cost reductions or new platforms, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective
Create, specify, and release steering components, working directly with our Vehicle Integration and Electrical / SW teams to ensure vehicle functional objectives (FOs) are met
Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (like larger or smaller wheels and tires, and lift and lower kits) are properly accommodated by the steering system
Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design
Manage changes to parts / systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified
Deliver your products to meet our quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification / labelling
Lead Design Reviews for each component / system at required milestones
Act as the primary liaison between Slate and suppliers of the parts under your umbrella
Engage with multiple cross functional teams (Accessories, Body, Interior, Design, Vehicle Integration, and Safety)
Ensure validation of the steering system, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing
Create or assist in the creation of Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for your parts
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required
8+ years of experience in automotive Steering Systems engineering
Strong understanding of steering kinematics and their effects on vehicle dynamics
Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specification
Steering system Design Verification Plan creation
Steering system assembly release experience
Understanding of I-shaft u-joint geometry (phasing)
Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components: I-shaft boot design and release and/or product engineering, Chassis fasteners and fastener testing, Steering rack design and product engineering, Steering system warranty problem solving, including tie rod ends, Steering column EA and collapse tuning
Understanding and proficiency in the APQP process and related documentation
Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes
Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements
Technical writing and documentation experience
Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals
Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%)
Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds
Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
Preferred
Master's degree is preferred
Steering system SW feature integration is a plus
Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.). Modelling skills are also a plus
Company
Slate Auto
Slate Auto is an electric motor vehicle manufacturing company.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$111.03M2024-12-01Series B
2023-06-22Series A· $111.03M
Recent News
2025-12-24
2025-12-17
2025-12-03
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