Incoming Quality Engineer

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.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Incoming Quality Engineer to join our team. This role is critical in ensuring the quality of incoming materials and components, supporting supplier development, and driving continuous improvement in our manufacturing operations.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

Job Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage incoming quality inspection activities for all supplied components and materials.

• Develop and implement inspection procedures and control plans for incoming parts.

• Collaborate with suppliers to define and monitor quality expectations and ensure compliance with specifications.

• Analyze incoming quality data, identify trends, and drive root cause analysis for any deviations.

• Implement corrective and preventive actions in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.

• Coordinate and conduct incoming quality audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain and update quality documentation including inspection records, control plans, and supplier quality reports.

• Support new product launches by validating incoming parts and ensuring readiness for production.

• Work cross-functionally with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve quality issues and optimize processes.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on incoming quality, process capability, and cost reduction.

• Provide technical guidance and training to inspection staff and cross-functional teams.

• Support containment of nonconforming material on the production floor due to supplier quality issues. Identify and segregate defective components, document nonconformance details, and coordinate with suppliers to initiate containment actions. Facilitate root cause analysis and support disposition activities including rework, return, or scrap decisions. Ensure timely communication and resolution to minimize production impact.

• Perform other duties as assigned related to quality management.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

Qualifications:

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience

• High integrity, curiosity, and resourcefulness.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Strong teamwork, assertiveness, and a results-oriented mindset.

• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

• Proven expertise in incoming inspection, supplier quality management, and root cause analysis.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with data analysis and reporting.

• Familiarity with automotive quality standards (AIAG, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work cross-functionally.

• Proficiency in quality management systems and tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or certifications (Six Sigma, ASQ, etc.).

• Experience with electric vehicle components and supplier development.

• Experience launching new vehicle programs in a fast-paced 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

[email protected].