Senior Vehicle CAE 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.

| WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Slate is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Vehicle CAE Engineer to join our growing team. This position will be responsible for performing NVH, durability, strength, and stiffness simulations to support the development and optimization of EV body, chassis, and closure structures. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, this role offers an excellent opportunity to grow within a dynamic, startup-paced environment.

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• The Vehicle CAE Engineer will support the CAE team in simulation activities and design evaluation. Key responsibilities include:
• Support NVH and durability analysis for BIW, HV Battery structure, Trimmed Body, and full vehicle structures using tools such as ANSA, Optistruct, and nCode Design Life.
• Assist in building, running, and debugging full vehicle NVH and durability models using pre-processing tools like ANSA and HyperMesh.
• Analyze simulation results, identify design issues, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Perform iterative simulations to optimize component and vehicle-level performance targets.
• Support vehicle and component testing activities and assist in correlating CAE results with physical test data.
• Help apply engineering methods and tools including DOE and design optimization techniques.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing simulation results, findings, and improvement actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams to meet vehicle performance requirements.

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent, from an ABET-accredited or equivalent program.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of automotive structures CAE experience, with exposure to NVH and/or durability analysis.
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles and their application to product development.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Eagerness to learn, problem-solve, and grow within a fast-moving organization.
• Familiarity with tools such as nCode, Optistruct / NASTRAN, ANSA, and Hyper Works.
• Basic understanding of NVH concepts including source-path-receiver thinking for structure-borne vibration and airborne noise.
• Exposure to modal analysis, vibration targets, or frequency response analysis is an advantage.
• Some experience or academic coursework in random vibration analysis is a plus.
• Experience or exposure to CAE-test correlation is desirable.
• Experience with electric propulsion systems is desirable, including structural CAE for battery enclosures, battery trays, or high-voltage pack integration within the vehicle architecture.
• Familiarity with EV-specific structural considerations such as thermal management interface loads, battery module mounting, or e-motor subframe design is a plus.
• Familiarity with vehicle safety regulations and crash performance requirements is desirable, including FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and US NCAP evaluation criteria as they relate to structural design and CAE simulation.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

| PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• 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.