Quality Technician, Incoming

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.

The Incoming Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting and verifying the quality of all incoming materials, components, and supplier products used in Slate Auto vehicle manufacturing. This individual will follow inspection procedures, create inspection methods where needed, identify defects with high attention to detail, manage transactions in ERP/MRP systems, maintain nonconforming material workflows, and support KPI tracking and 5S activities. Collaboration, communication, and teamwork are essential for this role in a fast‑paced startup environment.

• Learn and understand every build station to evaluate vehicles with full process context.
• Perform receiving inspections according to specifications, drawings, and quality standards.
• Identify defects in plastics, metals, electrical parts, fasteners, adhesives, and all components used on Slate vehicles.
• Use metrology tools such as CMM’s, calipers, micrometers, gauges, and fixtures.
• Document inspection results with photos and supporting details.

• Develop and refine inspection methods and checklists.
• Support quality engineering in creating robust inspection standards.

• Enter accepted materials into ERP/MRP systems.
• Reject nonconforming materials in the system and update status.
• Maintain accuracy of inventory adjustments tied to quality holds.

• Segregate and label rejected product in NCMR (Non‑Conforming Material Review) areas.
• Track nonconforming items, reasons, quantities, and dispositions.
• Support MRB and supplier review processes.

• Maintain incoming inspection KPIs such as supplier defects and rejection categories.
• Update quality boards and present findings in meetings.

• Verify packaging integrity and part protection.
• Identify packaging issues contributing to defects.

• Communicate issues to Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, and Supplier Quality.
• Write clear problem statements using structured methodologies.
• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective action verification.

• Maintain 5S in all incoming inspection areas.
• Organize tools, gauges, and materials.

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.

• 1–3 years of receiving inspection or manufacturing quality experience.
• ERP/MRP system experience (SAP, Oracle, Plex, Dynamics, etc.).
• Automotive manufacturing experience (preferred).

• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PPAP, or control plans.
• Power BI or data visualization exposure.
• Attention to detail.
• Team collaboration.
• Root cause mindset.
• Accountability.
• Strong communication skills and defect‑identification ability.
• Adaptability.

• Stand/walk/drive for extended periods.
• Lift up to 30 lbs occasionally.
• Repeated entry and exit of vehicles.
• Work in water booth, noisy areas, or varying temperatures.

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affiative 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-o.