Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Daimler Truck North America•Portland, OR

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Manufacturing Engineering is a leadership role responsible for strategic planning, process optimization, and collaborative leadership across commercial truck manufacturing. The position supports business objectives and delivers high-quality products efficiently and cost-effectively while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards. The Director works cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, Product Design, Plant Managers, and external partners. The role leads manufacturing engineering strategy, develops and mentors engineers and technical experts, contributes to product launch and strategic decisions, and drives continuous improvement through lean manufacturing and automation. It oversees new product introductions, plant enhancements, major capital projects, process planning, layout optimization, equipment installation and validation, budgets, timelines, and resources. It also leads quality, safety, environmental, and data protection compliance efforts and partners with Quality Assurance on corrective actions. The position is based in Portland, Oregon, with a hybrid schedule of four days per week in-office and one day remote. Relocation assistance may be available to eligible candidates. The position is not open for expatriate opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
At least 10 years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience.
At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role.
Proven success driving lean manufacturing and automation initiatives.
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 manufacturing technologies.
Experience with feasibility studies, equipment installation, and process optimization.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills in German or Spanish.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute manufacturing engineering strategies that support company growth and success.
Inspire, mentor, and empower engineers and technical experts while fostering creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.
Participate in Product Steering Committee meetings and influence new product launches and strategic initiatives.
Lead process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
Apply automation and lean manufacturing methodologies.
Plan and implement new product introductions and plant enhancements, including optimizing layouts, workflows, and equipment.
Oversee capital projects from equipment selection through installation and validation.
Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
Collaborate with finance and plant teams to develop and execute capital expenditure and operational plans.
Ensure adherence to industry regulations and internal quality systems.
Lead environmental, safety, and data protection compliance initiatives.
Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve issues and implement corrective actions.
Build cross-functional relationships and facilitate communication and knowledge sharing across the organization.

Benefits

Annual variable pay bonus program.
Company-paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card.
401(k) company contribution with company match up to 6%, plus a non-elective company contribution of 3–7% depending on age.
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan with a company contribution of 7% of variable pay.
Starting at four weeks of paid vacation.
13 or more 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.
Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.