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Design Release Engineer - Steering Wheel & Front Airbags

Slate Auto
Troy, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 8/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/15/2026
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 is looking for a dynamic, experienced Design Release Engineer to join our growing team. The Design Release Engineer - Steering Wheel & Frontal Airbags is responsible driving the development of the Airbag system components and challenged to develop unique solutions for various applications throughout the vehicle. This candidate will have responsibility to manage tier 1 airbag supplier engineers, external resources and collaborate across the vehicle component areas as needed to optimize application solutions. This position will be responsible for understanding the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets, how these targets influence component level requirements, and how to ensure targets are met throughout the life of the vehicle by creating and maintaining APQP documentation.

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Design Release Engineer - Steering Wheel & Frontal Airbags

The DRE will lead the engineering and Tier 1 suppliers for the steering wheel, driver airbag and passenger airbag supporting the content listed in the Program Description Letter.

This Engineer will report to the Lead – Restraints Systems Engineering manager and will be responsible for the following:

Key Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

  • Develop functional requirements for each system and component including:
  • Steering wheel & Frontal Airbags
  • Develop technical requirements for the systems and components in collaboration with internal functions, design studio, engineering and Teir 1 suppliers.
  • Lead/Support the design, development, release and certification of the systems and components with product development tools – CAE, CAD, BOM, Drawing Release, Software Release, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, Attribute Validation, Vehicle Testing, Component Testing, and Certification Reporting for all regulatory requirements.

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited or equivalent program is preferred. Master's in engineering preferred.
  • 8 years of Design Release Engineering in Airbags and/or Steering Wheels
  • Experience and knowledge of the vehicle level safety development process.
  • Excellent communication Team building and relationship building skills.
  • Ability to lead teams and tier one suppliers and integrate and drive technical tradeoffs and optimized solutions with attention to detail, with all functions as needed.
  • Direct working experience with NHTSA/FMVSS, NCAP, and IIHS Crash Requirements.
  • Ability and Desire to build your own team and work in a fun and fast-paced environment.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Salary Range: The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual)

$108,877.26 - $163,315.90

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.

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.

Salary : $108,877 - $163,316

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