Slate Auto Header

Principal Design Release Engineer, Electrical Switches

Troy, MI
Full-Time

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

Slate for a is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Principal Design Release Engineer, Electrical Switches to join our growing team.

The Principal Design Release Engineer, Electrical Switches will report to the Head of Electrical and will be responsible for driving the development of the electrical switch and actuator requirements for all of Slate battery electric vehicle platforms. They will be challenged to develop unique solutions for various switches and actuators for a non-traditional vehicle. Responsibilities will be complex and broad in scope, requiring creativity, superior initiative, good judgement, and leadership skills. This is a hands-on position that will also require leadership of Tier 1 suppliers.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

  • Develop functional requirements for electrical switches and actuators, including interfaces, diagnostics, and fault detection protocol.

  • Develop and document test plans for the required switches and actuators.

  • Release the component(s) Part Numbers in the Product Lifecycle Management system and maintain release levels as the design matures.

  • Lead DFMEA reviews to identify technical risks and drive the controls logic in order to improve detection and reduce potential failures of the design.

  • Review hardware design with cross functional teams to ensure the hardware meets requirements.

  • Implement and maintain cyber-security best practices to ensure robust customer and corporation protection over the lifecycle.

  • Utilize LEAN Engineering methodologies throughout.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited (or equivalent) program. Master's degree is preferred.

  • 10+ years relevant experience with Electrical Switches or Actuators, preferably in the automotive industry.

  • Hands-on experience working with low voltage components, such as circuit breakers, relays, wiring, etc.

  • Hands-on experience working with high voltage components, such as DCDC, motor and inverter, battery, on-board charger, etc.

  • Knowledge of CAN and LIN protocol physical topology requirements.

  • Proficiency using CATIA V5 / Windchill.

  • Experience working within a PLM system to release components and process engineering changes.

  • Experience, understanding, and proficiency with PPAP, including developing and creating Design records, FMEA’s, Control Plans, etc.

  • Experience, understanding, and proficiency with APQP and related documentation.

  • Experience using problem solving methodologies to diagnose complex issues, such as 8D, Five Whys, and Fishbone processes.

  • Functional experience with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as FMVSSS, NHTSA, DOT, USCAR, SAE, NEC, etc.

  • 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).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.

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 recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.

PDN-a0907943-2502-4290-bc15-54fafba3f700

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

Slate for a is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Principal Design Release Engineer, Electrical Switches to join our growing team.

The Principal Design Release Engineer, Electrical Switches will report to the Head of Electrical and will be responsible for driving the development of the electrical switch and actuator requirements for all of Slate battery electric vehicle platforms. They will be challenged to develop unique solutions for various switches and actuators for a non-traditional vehicle. Responsibilities will be complex and broad in scope, requiring creativity, superior initiative, good judgement, and leadership skills. This is a hands-on position that will also require leadership of Tier 1 suppliers.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

  • Develop functional requirements for electrical switches and actuators, including interfaces, diagnostics, and fault detection protocol.

  • Develop and document test plans for the required switches and actuators.

  • Release the component(s) Part Numbers in the Product Lifecycle Management system and maintain release levels as the design matures.

  • Lead DFMEA reviews to identify technical risks and drive the controls logic in order to improve detection and reduce potential failures of the design.

  • Review hardware design with cross functional teams to ensure the hardware meets requirements.

  • Implement and maintain cyber-security best practices to ensure robust customer and corporation protection over the lifecycle.

  • Utilize LEAN Engineering methodologies throughout.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited (or equivalent) program. Master's degree is preferred.

  • 10+ years relevant experience with Electrical Switches or Actuators, preferably in the automotive industry.

  • Hands-on experience working with low voltage components, such as circuit breakers, relays, wiring, etc.

  • Hands-on experience working with high voltage components, such as DCDC, motor and inverter, battery, on-board charger, etc.

  • Knowledge of CAN and LIN protocol physical topology requirements.

  • Proficiency using CATIA V5 / Windchill.

  • Experience working within a PLM system to release components and process engineering changes.

  • Experience, understanding, and proficiency with PPAP, including developing and creating Design records, FMEA’s, Control Plans, etc.

  • Experience, understanding, and proficiency with APQP and related documentation.

  • Experience using problem solving methodologies to diagnose complex issues, such as 8D, Five Whys, and Fishbone processes.

  • Functional experience with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as FMVSSS, NHTSA, DOT, USCAR, SAE, NEC, etc.

  • 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).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.

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 recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.

PDN-a0907943-2502-4290-bc15-54fafba3f700

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.

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Apply For This Job
Principal Design Release Engineer, Electrical Switches
Slate Auto
Troy, MI
Dec 11, 2025
Full-time
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