Mechanical Product Validation Engineer I – Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI)

Inside the Role

Product Validation Engineering’s Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI) group is responsible for validating vehicle operation in areas such as thermal systems, environmental exposure, full vehicle performance, and powertrain integration. This entry-level role supports hands-on vehicle testing and data analysis to ensure current and future DTNA vehicles meet both legal validation and customer usage requirements.
This position is well suited for an early-career engineer who wants to build deep experience in vehicle performance testing, seasonal test execution, and real-world validation environments.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

What You Drive at DTNA

• Support vehicle-level thermodynamics and performance testing, including cooling, aftertreatment systems, air systems, and environmental exposure

• Assist with planning and execution of Summer Test and Winter Test activities, including vehicle instrumentation, test setup, and daily test support

• Support testing in specialized facilities such as the Climatic Wind Tunnel and Cold Chamber

• Help set up, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and data acquisition systems

• Collect, process, and review vehicle test data; support root cause analysis of thermal or performance issues

• Work closely with Design Engineering, Powertrain, and other PVE teams to align testing with design intent

• Document test results and contribute to summaries, reports, and technical discussions

• Support continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and procedures

• Participate in a collaborative, hands-on test environment with on-vehicle work

Knowledge you Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field and  0–2 years of relevant engineering, co-op, or internship experience

• Strong interest in vehicle performance, thermodynamics, and hands-on testing

• Ability to work in outdoor, lab, and vehicle test environments

• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and structured problem solving

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Some travel required to support Summer Test and Winter Test activities

• An attached resume is required

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or powertrain

• Exposure to vehicle testing, instrumentation, or data acquisition

• Familiarity with test or analysis tools (e.g., CANape or similar)

• Experience working in team-based engineering environments

#LI-RR1 #LI-Hybrid

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.