CI-Q- Accademy, Q Excellence Lead

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 looking for a highly skilled and motivated Plant CI – Q-Excellence Lead to join our Quality team in our automotive plant. In this role, you will be a key technical leader responsible for supporting the implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS), Quality Operating System (QOS), and Process Management Tools (PMT).

You will act as a subject matter expert and change agent for CI and quality excellence initiatives, partnering closely with Manufacturing Quality, Supplier Quality, IT, and cross-functional stakeholders. This role requires strong hands-on execution capability, analytical thinking, and the ability to influence without authority in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

• Serve as a CI and Q-Excellence subject matter expert supporting QMS, QOS, and PMT deployment and sustainment across the plant

• Support the development, integration, rollout, and continuous improvement of quality systems aligned with business objectives

• Execute and support CI initiatives focused on quality, process stability, waste reduction, and data-driven decision making

• Support startup, validation, training, user support, and ongoing optimization of quality systems and tools

• Gather user feedback and business requirements to improve usability and effectiveness of QMS and QOS tools

• Partner with IT, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality systems are reliable, compliant, and scalable

• Support supplier quality and manufacturing quality processes through effective use of QMS/QOS tools

• Participate in internal and external audits (ISO, IATF), including audit preparation, execution support, and follow-up actions

• Support supplier audits as required to drive compliance and performance improvement

• Monitor quality system performance metrics, identify gaps or risks, and support corrective and preventive actions

• Analyze quality data to improve data accuracy, reporting, and insight generation

• Develop and deliver training materials and user guidance related to quality systems, CI tools, and best practices

• Support service requests related to management systems, processes, methods, tools, and training

• Participate in and support special projects related to CI, Q-Excellence, and data analysis

• Support definition and improvement of quality processes, methods, and tools in collaboration with cross-functional teams

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

The role requires high integrity, curiosity, and a strong continuous improvement mindset. You will be comfortable working in a flexible, fast-paced environment while collaborating across functions to achieve shared goals.

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

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA

• Hands-on experience supporting QMS/QOS implementation, execution, or system enhancements

• Experience working with quality data, reporting, and analytics

• Exposure to PLM, MES, and ERP system integrations (preferred)

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills

• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Strong technical and procedural documentation skills

• Ability to make data-driven decisions and support corrective and preventive actions

• Experience supporting audits (VDA, ISO, or IATF); auditor certification a plus

• Passion for quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

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.