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
Slate’s Electrical Engineering group is seeking a passionate and dynamic Senior Systems Engineer, Telematics with strong experience in connected vehicle systems, automotive communications, diagnostics, and systems engineering. This position will be responsible for defining and integrating vehicle-side telematics and connectivity solutions across the vehicle architecture, enabling secure communication between cloud platforms, mobile interfaces, and automotive ECUs.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with vehicle communication networks, diagnostics, gateway communications, and connected vehicle architectures using CAN FD, UDS, and telematics communication protocols.
In this position, the candidate will develop vehicle-side telematics system requirements and support the integration, validation, and deployment of a telematics connected vehicle solution from concept to production.
WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Develop and maintain vehicle-side telematics requirements involving connected vehicle services, diagnostics, OTA updates, remote vehicle functions, and cloud connectivity.
Define communication requirements and interfaces across telematics ECUs, secure gateways, vehicle domain controllers, and automotive networks including CAN FD, LIN, and Ethernet.
Develop diagnostic and communication requirements using UDS services, DTC strategies, network management, and secure communication mechanisms.
Work cross-functionally with cybersecurity, software, cloud, mobile application, and vehicle systems teams to define end-to-end connected vehicle behaviors and interfaces.
Support implementation and validation of telematics features including remote commands, vehicle status reporting, diagnostics access, OTA / FOTA capabilities, and connected services.
Collaborate with suppliers to develop interface definitions, communication specifications, DBC files, diagnostics behaviors, and validation plans.
Support vehicle integration activities including communication debugging, diagnostic troubleshooting, network analysis, and issue resolution using automotive communication tools.
Develop systems engineering artifacts including requirements decomposition, interface control documents, architecture diagrams, diagnostics specifications, and test strategies.
Lead technical discussions related to connected vehicle architecture, telematics communication flows, gateway routing, diagnostics access, and future connectivity technologies.
Test, verify, and validate telematics and connected vehicle systems using industry standard automotive communication and diagnostics tools.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
7+ years of experience in automotive telematics, connected vehicle systems, vehicle communications, or systems engineering.
5+ years of experience with automotive communication protocols, including CAN FD, CAN, LIN, Ethernet, USB, and UDS diagnostics.
Strong experience with connected vehicle architectures involving telematics control units (TCUs), secure gateways, cloud connectivity, remote diagnostics, or OTA systems.
Strong experience with telematics supported communication protocols, such as WIFI, RF connectivity, multi-antenna (MIMO) systems, 5G, and/or Bluetooth.
Strong troubleshooting and cross-functional integration experience across software, electrical, cloud, and supplier teams.
Strong understanding of vehicle network architectures, ECU communication strategies, and diagnostics integration.
Experience with the standards and regulations defining telematics data and communications, such as NMEA 0183 / 2000, IEEE 802.3, SOME / IP.
Experience using automotive communication and diagnostics tools, such as CANoe, CANalyzer, Vehicle Spy, Wireshark, or ETAS tools.
Experience with systems engineering activities, including requirements decomposition, interface definition, integration, and validation.
Experience with requirements and architecture tools such as Polarion, DOORS, or PREEvision.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with OTA / FOTA systems, secure boot, cybersecurity integration, and secure vehicle communications.
Familiarity with telematics backend integration, cloud communication flows, and connected services architecture.
Experience with DBC, ODX, diagnostics specifications, and network architecture development.
Understanding of automotive cybersecurity and functional safety considerations impacting connected vehicle systems (ISO / SAE 21434, ISO 24089, ISO 26262).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the ability to travel (up to 20%).
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.
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