Product Engineer I - Hoods & Fenders

Inside the Role

Product Engineering is all about building extraordinary products that captivate our customers and deliver real value. We thrive on innovation, pursue exceptional quality, and bring ideas to life on time and within budget. Our passion for the product drives everything we do.

We actively seek out customer feedback—celebrating the praise and embracing the tough critiques—because every insight helps us grow. We support one another, treat each other with respect, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work. We never stop learning. As a team of continuous improvers, we push ourselves to raise the bar, refine the details, and deliver products that exceed expectations. Our success is powered by creativity, craftsmanship, and a relentless commitment to our customers. We take pride in what we build—and we make sure to have fun along the way!

This position is part of the Vehicle Exterior – Hoods & Fenders Team within Product Engineering. The team is responsible for the design, development, validation, and launch of exterior components that are highly visible to our customers and critical to vehicle safety, durability, serviceability, and brand identity. Our components span a range of materials and manufacturing technologies, including fiber-reinforced composite structures, injection-molded and blow-molded plastic parts, and cast and stamped metal components. These components include hood outer panels, inner reinforcements, hood mounting and tilt assist systems, hood latches, fenders, and splash shields used across Freightliner and Western Star vehicles.

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’ll Drive at DTNA

· Concept, develop, and release best-in-class hood, fender, and related exterior components with a strong awareness of overall vehicle integration and packaging.

· Apply sound engineering principles to deliver safe, reliable, serviceable, cost-effective designs across composite, plastic, and metal structures.

· Create and maintain 3D models, drawings, and GD&T using NX and related tools.

· Partner with Product Design, Manufacturing, Validation, Purchasing, Quality, and suppliers to deliver robust, production-ready components.

· Select materials and manufacturing processes (fiber-reinforced plastics, injection/blow molding, castings, stampings) appropriate to performance, cost, and quality targets.

· Support manufacturing plants, resolve validation and build issues, and implement effective countermeasures.

· Manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver releases on time and within budget while communicating risks and status clearly.

· Continuously improve product cost, quality, tools, and processes while staying current with industry developments.

Knowledge You Should Bring

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Experience using CAD tools (preferably NX), including surface-based modeling and engineering drawing creation.

· Solid understanding of upstream and downstream engineering processes, from concept through manufacturing support.

· Ability to collaborate across functions and suppliers to resolve competing requirements and deliver robust design solutions.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information.

· Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, follow through on commitments, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

· An attached resume is required.

Exceptional Candidates May Have

· Experience designing vehicle exterior or structural components using fiber-reinforced composites, plastics, and/or metal parts.

· Familiarity with plastic manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, RIM) and metal processes (e.g., stampings, castings).

· Exposure to vehicle assembly plant processes and cross-functional product launch activities.

· Experience working within DTNA systems such as SMARAGD, PLATON, or IMACS

#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.