Job Description
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 A creative, experienced CMF Automotive Designer who is upbeat, self-motivated and organized to join our growing team at our Long Beach CA or Troy MI studio. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience, a keen eye for color, grain, gloss, texture, palettes, material trends and sustainability, as well as excellent communication and project management skills.
| WHAT YOU GET TO DO Using your in-depth technical experience: Create attractive, functional, feasible and cost-conscious CMF strategies for interiors and exteriors of our products, ensuring they align with our brand DNA and target markets. You will be responsible for both conceptual and production programs, while working with amazingly talented, like-minded people on an impactful project.
The responsibilities of the
Color and Materials Principal Designer include but not limited to the following:
- CMF design activities for both Interior and Exterior projects for all our vehicles. Create mood boards, color palettes, material samples and pitch decks for in person and virtual presentations.
- Define and implement materials, finishes, textures and colors for both production and conceptual programs.
- Research and analyze color and materials trends both in automotive and consumer markets to develop trend forecasting, while identifying opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
- Constantly source new materials to maintain innovation within the CMF library.
- Research and connect with suppliers to bring your design vision to life.
- Create innovative patterns and graphics that can help define the identity of the brand.
- Material Mastering Required. Managing appearance development and approval process with various suppliers and/or Tiers, while maintaining design intent.
- Follow system for maintaining, storing and distributing master samples.
- Clear understanding of automotive specifications and performance requirements of finishes.
- Creative finish solutions that maintain appearance but keep cost at a minimum.
- Provide charts that layout a clear Color and Materials production development letter for production builds.
- Design quality/quality control of finishes in all phases of production to ensure the design intent is maintained.
- Support the definition of activities and resources for the delivery of CMF projects.
- Lead defined, specific projects, working cross-functionally.
| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM The pace doesn’t scare you, it excites you. Flexible with coast-to-coast schedules, requiring excellent communication skills that may fall outside of traditional hours. Comfortable in a start-up environment. Low ego and strong willingness to support. Being agile and understanding how quickly directions may change in an automotive design setting. And of course, outstanding CMF Design skills.
- BA or BS Degree in Color and Material Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Textile Design or the equivalent in professional experience with evidence of exceptional ability documented in a portfolio.
- 10-15 years similar or related experience.
- Create compelling inspiration boards and focused program palettes to inspire and align the organization on the CMF direction.
- Proficiency with design tools and software. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Keyshot (or equivalent 3D or 2D rendering programs Alias, VRED, Maya, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective presentations.
- Consistently deliver high-quality work in an expedient manner.
- Ability to manage multiple activities with possible pivots and show examples from previous production programs.
- Significant experience of leading CMF projects.
- Capability to work cross functionally (internally) with Design, Brand, Engineering, Commercial and Purchasing but also experience in successful relationships (externally) with suppliers, vendors and partners for mutual success.
- Ability to meet deliverables, based on milestones and deadlines.
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.
Job Tags
Full time, Flexible hours