Job Description
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
We are seeking an Operations Group Lead to lead day-to-day production activities within the Bonding and Coating Department. This role is a hands-on, floor-focused leadership position responsible for supervising production associates and team leads, ensuring safe operations, high-quality output, and on-time delivery. The Operations Group Lead partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support stable, repeatable, and efficient production.
WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Operational Leadership
Lead daily production activities across Bonding & Coating, including E‑coat, robotic sealers, and adhesive bonding cells.
Ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality output that meets takt time, schedule, and customer requirements.
Assign labor, balance workloads, and support cross‑shift coordination.
Coach and support Team Leaders and hourly team members in daily operations.
Safety & Compliance
Enforce all safety standards: chemical handling, PPE, LOTO, confined space, and robotic/automation safety.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and environmental controls for coating, chemicals, and waste handling.
Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective action follow‑through.
Champion a safety‑first culture across all operations.
Process & Quality Management
Monitor and control key process parameters (E‑coat chemistry, sealer application, adhesive bond performance).
Partner with Quality & Engineering to investigate defects, contamination issues, and bonding failures.
Lead first-level root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
Maintain accurate safety, quality, and environmental documentation.
Continuous Improvement
Lead Lean initiatives including 5S, standard work, waste reduction, and cycle time improvements.
Identify opportunities in robotic programming, material usage, uptime, and process stability.
Support PFMEA updates, control plan revisions, and implementation of engineering changes.
Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime using structured problem‑solving methods.
Reporting & Performance Metrics
Track and report KPIs such as safety incidents, scrap, downtime, FTT, chemical usage, and labor efficiency.
Deliver daily production summaries and escalate risks to schedule, quality, or safety.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or equivalent experience.
5+ years in automotive or high‑volume manufacturing.
2+ years in a supervisory or team‑lead role within production.
Experience with coating systems, adhesive bonding, robotics, or paint/body processes (preferred).
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of E‑coat systems, industrial adhesives, and robotic automation.
Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, standardized work, and quality systems.
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and structured problem‑solving tools.
Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and environmental compliance related to chemicals and coating processes.
Leadership Capability
Strong communicator able to influence across functions and build trust.
Proven ability to coach teams, enforce standards, and maintain accountability.
Capable of making timely decisions under pressure and prioritizing effectively.
Commitment to safety, team development, and continuous improvement.
Comfortable leading on the shop floor in a highly automated industrial environment.
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.
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
We are seeking an Operations Group Lead to lead day-to-day production activities within the Bonding and Coating Department. This role is a hands-on, floor-focused leadership position responsible for supervising production associates and team leads, ensuring safe operations, high-quality output, and on-time delivery. The Operations Group Lead partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support stable, repeatable, and efficient production.
WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Operational Leadership
Lead daily production activities across Bonding & Coating, including E‑coat, robotic sealers, and adhesive bonding cells.
Ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality output that meets takt time, schedule, and customer requirements.
Assign labor, balance workloads, and support cross‑shift coordination.
Coach and support Team Leaders and hourly team members in daily operations.
Safety & Compliance
Enforce all safety standards: chemical handling, PPE, LOTO, confined space, and robotic/automation safety.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and environmental controls for coating, chemicals, and waste handling.
Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective action follow‑through.
Champion a safety‑first culture across all operations.
Process & Quality Management
Monitor and control key process parameters (E‑coat chemistry, sealer application, adhesive bond performance).
Partner with Quality & Engineering to investigate defects, contamination issues, and bonding failures.
Lead first-level root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
Maintain accurate safety, quality, and environmental documentation.
Continuous Improvement
Lead Lean initiatives including 5S, standard work, waste reduction, and cycle time improvements.
Identify opportunities in robotic programming, material usage, uptime, and process stability.
Support PFMEA updates, control plan revisions, and implementation of engineering changes.
Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime using structured problem‑solving methods.
Reporting & Performance Metrics
Track and report KPIs such as safety incidents, scrap, downtime, FTT, chemical usage, and labor efficiency.
Deliver daily production summaries and escalate risks to schedule, quality, or safety.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or equivalent experience.
5+ years in automotive or high‑volume manufacturing.
2+ years in a supervisory or team‑lead role within production.
Experience with coating systems, adhesive bonding, robotics, or paint/body processes (preferred).
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of E‑coat systems, industrial adhesives, and robotic automation.
Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, standardized work, and quality systems.
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and structured problem‑solving tools.
Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and environmental compliance related to chemicals and coating processes.
Leadership Capability
Strong communicator able to influence across functions and build trust.
Proven ability to coach teams, enforce standards, and maintain accountability.
Capable of making timely decisions under pressure and prioritizing effectively.
Commitment to safety, team development, and continuous improvement.
Comfortable leading on the shop floor in a highly automated industrial environment.
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.
About Slate Auto
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.
Slate Auto would like you to finish the application on their website.
