Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to financially sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this opportunity currently.
About Slate
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.
Who we are looking for:
Slate is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Collision Repair Lead to join our dynamic team. This is an opportunity to start a service collision department from a blank sheet of paper. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automotive, with a focus on collision safety service, and crashworthiness. This position will play a crucial role in ensuring that collision is ready for our EV to meet customer demand. You will be responsible for the creation of our collision parts, repair processes, unique replacement components, and collaboration with industry service networks.
What you get to do:
- Lead the development, sourcing, and execution of collision parts, technical support, certification planning, and onboarding of collision providers, in collaboration with Engineering, Service, Design, and Purchasing operations.
- Lead the development and implementation of repair parts, features on existing procedures, and processes to simplify the repairability of the vehicle, collaborating with Design and Engineering.
- Own and create the collision Bill Of Materials (BOM), coordinating with Suppliers and Purchasing to source individual repair parts.
- Review crash simulations and physical crash tests to evaluate vehicle replacement procedures and parts.
- Work with cross-functional teams to coordinate test timing and planned workload, and develop and maintain detailed documentation of test procedures, results, and design changes.
- Work with Validation Technician to create time studies for repair procedures, diagnostic troubleshooting, Technical Service Bulletins, Recalls, and Accessory installations across all vehicle commodities (Body, Interior, Chassis, Electrical, Propulsion, Restraints), with documentation in approved time-tracking system software.
- Work with Manufacturing operations to support plant repair bay problem resolution found during vehicle assembly, and to develop factory repair procedures.
- Validate drafts of service removal and installation procedures and diagnostic troubleshooting on-vehicle through multiple vehicle development milestones, up to and after production.
- Validate diagnostic scan tool content and FOTA updates through all vehicle milestones and post-production.
- Develop calibration procedures alongside the Diagnostic team.
- Assist with the development of collision best practices and training materials, ensuring field awareness and compliance.
- Review and respond to field inquires on time study allowances and restudy requests, actively working to identify repair efficiency opportunities.
- Develop and maintain a labor time guide with detailed change management tracking.
- Support identification and validation of special service tool development with on-vehicle testing.
- Support fastener torque specification escalations with Engineering.
- Support customers digitally with any technical or operational questions and communications.
- Support in-field Fly-and-Fix service issue escalations as needed for development and production vehicle properties.
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in collision safety technology and best practices.
What you bring to the team:
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent is preferred. While a degree is preferred, candidates who demonstrate impressive relevant and commensurate professional experience may still be considered.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience and a proven track record of success in identifying, developing, and implementing automotive collision safety features, collision repair procedures, collision parts BOM, and collision service and repair networks.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience with automotive safety standards and regulations (e.g., FMVSS, ECE).
- Knowledge and hands-on experience with automotive OEM time study procedures and documentation.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience with automotive collision repair training and mechanical repair training.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience working on high voltage electric vehicles and systems is preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge in EV service estimation is preferred.
- Demonstrated capability in reviewing crash simulation software (e.g., LS-DYNA, Abaqus) is preferred.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Passion for electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.
- Creative problem solver that can create simple solutions to complicated problems.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently or collaboratively to effectively manage competing assignments through to completion.
- Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on technical content.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Detail oriented with the desire to achieve the highest standards of excellence.
Physical Requirements:
- Must have the ability to travel (up to 50%).
- 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 [email protected].
