Director of Manufacturing Engineering

Daimler Truck•Portland, OR

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Inside the Role Step into a pivotal leadership role at the forefront of commercial truck manufacturing. As our Director of Manufacturing Engineering, you’ll drive innovation, shape the future of our production network, and make a lasting impact on our organization and the industry. This role is responsible for strategic planning, process optimization, and collaborative leadership, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with quality, safety, and environmental regulatory standards. The Director will work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, and other stakeholders to support business objectives and deliver high-quality products efficiently and cost-effectively. So, if you’re passionate about continuous improvement, collaborative leadership, and delivering excellence, we want to meet you! 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 Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program; company paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; non-qualified deferred compensation plan with company contribution of 7% of variable pay; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ holidays per calendar year; Paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance program; volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans. What You Drive at DTNA Lead with Vision & Purpose Champion and execute forward-thinking manufacturing engineering strategies that fuel our company’s growth and success. Inspire, mentor, and empower a talented team of engineers and technical experts, cultivating a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous learning. Be a key voice in Product Steering Committee meetings, influencing the direction of new product launches and strategic initiatives. Drive Continuous Improvement & Innovation Spearhead transformative process improvements to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product quality. Harness the power of automation & lean manufacturing methodologies to keep us ahead of the curve. Lead the charge in planning and implementing new product introductions and plant enhancements, optimizing layouts, workflows, and equipment. Manage High-Impact Projects Oversee major capital projects, from equipment selection to installation and validation, ensuring seamless execution. Take ownership of project timelines, budgets, and resources, delivering results that exceed expectations. Collaborate with finance and plant teams to shape and execute CapEx and operational plans. Champion Quality, Safety & Compliance Set the standard for excellence by ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations and internal quality systems. Lead initiatives in environmental, safety, and data protection compliance, safeguarding our people and our reputation. Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve challenges and implement robust corrective actions. Foster Collaboration & Partnership Build strong, cross-functional relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Product Design, Plant Managers, and external partners. Facilitate open communication and knowledge sharing, driving alignment and innovation across the organization. What Sets You Apart Strategic mindset with a passion for technical excellence. Relentless drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence. Outstanding communication and collaborative leadership skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Perks & Impact Direct responsibility for multimillion-dollar budgets and high-visibility projects. Lead and develop a diverse team, shaping the future of our manufacturing operations. Be part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and growth. Commitment to compliance, safety, and employee well-being. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering 10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Proven success in driving lean manufacturing and automation initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in process planning, layout optimization, and project management. Visionary leadership and team-building abilities. Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills. Advanced proficiency in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Experience in feasibility studies, equipment installation, and process optimization. Multilingual skills (German or Spanish) are a plus. Certifications (Preferred): PMP (Project Management Professional) This position is not open for Expat opportunities. 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 for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria. 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. U.S. Visa sponsorship available if you qualify under the following: Hold a valid existing Visa (L1A, L1B, L2, TN, H1B, H4 EAD, OPT EAD, CPT) Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa Those eligible for a TN Visa (Canadian or Mexican National working in an Engineering, Accounting or Scientific Technologist capacity with an aligning degree) Those eligible for an L-1 (inter-company) Daimler Truck visa under the Corporate Blanket L-1 program would require at least one-year of qualifying experience in the last three years Additional Information 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. SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. CHANGE THE WORLD. Are you ready to join the inspired people who are helping shape the future of commercial vehicle manufacturing? Our employees enjoy lucrative benefits, competitive salaries and the opportunity to work in jobs across many functions—mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, accounting, sales & marketing, IT and more—both within our company and in our offices around the world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
Proven success in driving lean manufacturing and automation initiatives.
Demonstrated expertise in process planning, layout optimization, and project management.
Visionary leadership and team-building abilities.
Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills.
Advanced proficiency in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Experience in feasibility studies, equipment installation, and process optimization.
Strategic mindset with a passion for technical excellence.
Relentless drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Outstanding communication and collaborative leadership skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills (German or Spanish) are a plus.
PMP (Project Management Professional)

Responsibilities

Champion and execute forward-thinking manufacturing engineering strategies that fuel our company’s growth and success.
Inspire, mentor, and empower a talented team of engineers and technical experts, cultivating a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.
Be a key voice in Product Steering Committee meetings, influencing the direction of new product launches and strategic initiatives.
Spearhead transformative process improvements to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product quality.
Harness the power of automation & lean manufacturing methodologies to keep us ahead of the curve.
Lead the charge in planning and implementing new product introductions and plant enhancements, optimizing layouts, workflows, and equipment.
Oversee major capital projects, from equipment selection to installation and validation, ensuring seamless execution.
Take ownership of project timelines, budgets, and resources, delivering results that exceed expectations.
Collaborate with finance and plant teams to shape and execute CapEx and operational plans.
Set the standard for excellence by ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations and internal quality systems.
Lead initiatives in environmental, safety, and data protection compliance, safeguarding our people and our reputation.
Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve challenges and implement robust corrective actions.
Build strong, cross-functional relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Product Design, Plant Managers, and external partners.
Facilitate open communication and knowledge sharing, driving alignment and innovation across the organization.

Benefits

annual variable pay bonus program
company paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card
401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
non-qualified deferred compensation plan with company contribution of 7% of variable pay
starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
13+ holidays per calendar year
Paid parental leave
employee assistance program
comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs
onsite fitness (at some locations)
tuition assistance program
volunteer paid time off
short-term and long-term disability plans