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Slate Auto · 2 hours ago

Sr. Engineer, Vehicle Safety

Troy, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Slate Auto is dedicated to building safe and reliable vehicles that are affordable and customizable. They are seeking a Senior Engineer specializing in vehicle safety to plan, execute, and analyze crash tests, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and mentor junior engineers in a collaborative environment.

AutomotiveElectric VehicleManufacturing

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, and analyze crash tests to meet FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP, and internal standards

Lead sled, subsystem, and full-vehicle crash programs, including fixture design specifications, test requests, test readiness reviews, and post-test debriefs with engineering & leadership teams

Build and maintain crash validation plans, including test asset usage, working with test houses to execute, maintaining test pre and post check requirements. Conducting pre and post test reviews

Coordinate safety vehicle builds for correct content, manage test requests, work cross-functionally to understand and ensure right level of instrumentation and test data capture for our internal design/development/analysis teams

Analyze test results and work with CAE teams for any correlation related requirements

Track test progress, manage the test matrix, and report status to program leadership

Collaborate with design, CAE, manufacturing, and homologation teams to resolve structural, restraint, interior, sensing, and compliance issues

Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional decisions to prioritize safety

Engage with suppliers, third-party auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed

Stay up to date on vehicle safety regulations, rating protocols, and industry best practices

Prepare and present clear technical summaries, findings, and recommendations for senior leadership

Qualification

FMVSS knowledgeCrash testing experienceData analysis skillsVehicle safety developmentCAE methodologiesCrashworthiness developmentSix Sigma certificationCross-functional collaborationTechnical report writingProblem-solving skillsCommunication skills

Required

Strong knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, and NCAP protocols

Experience planning and executing a variety of quasi-static and dynamic crash tests for a vehicle program

Ability to interpret test data and translate results into actionable design improvements

Hands-on experience with vehicle safety development across sled, subsystem, system, and full-vehicle levels

Proven success working cross-functionally with internal teams and external test facilities

Knowledge of sensing and calibration requirements for crash and restraint systems including implications when making or proposing deployment changes/trade-offs

Understanding of vehicle design for structures, restraints, interior systems, and occupant protection solutions that meet regulatory and third-party requirements

Knowledge of CAE methodologies and correlation for crashworthiness development

Understanding of FMVSS 305 for electric vehicles, ensuring HV system post-crash integrity and compliance

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Biomedical Engineering

8+ years of direct automotive experience in vehicle safety, crash testing, or restraint system development

Working level knowledge of FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP, and/or ECE protocols

Experience with crash test setup, instrumentation, ATD preparation, data acquisition, and restraint deployment strategy

Familiarity with CAD, CAE, and post-processing tools (e.g., LS-DYNA, HyperView, Beta MetaPost)

Understanding of FMVSS 305 and electric vehicle HV safety requirements

Strong data analysis, correlation, and problem-solving skills

Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and presentations