Manufacturing Production Process Engineer III

Daimler Truck North America•Detroit, MI

1d•$108,000 - $139,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Manufacturing Production Process Engineer, you will develop and optimize Gear Sets Vacuum Carburizing heat treating processes, support daily manufacturing operations, and lead data-driven improvements using Lean and Six Sigma tools. This role provides technical leadership leveraging metallurgical expertise and manufacturing process knowledge to support daily production demands and sustain capacity. You will collaborate cross‑functionally with machining, maintenance, quality, and MetLab teams to diagnose, correct, and improve heat treatment processes to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant heat treatment operations. 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 Position offers a starting salary range of $108,000 – $139,000 USD Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans. What You Drive at DTNA Develop, validate, and sustain heat treatment processes (annealing, quenching, tempering, carburizing, nitriding, vacuum heat treating, etc.) for the efficient/economical mass production of gear sets Monitor furnace performance and troubleshoot thermal systems and equipment Create and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, work standard instructions (SWI), and control plans Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations Conduct metallurgical evaluations, hardness testing, and microstructure analysis Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and standard work improvements to enhance production efficiency Use data tools to improve yield, reduce variation, and enhance cycle times Interface with Quality personnel to provide directions on issues related to process quality Assist Maintenance in trouble shooting breakdowns and scheduling preventative maintenance Designs arrangement of manufacturing equipment to ensure most efficient and productive layout Conducts tests throughout all stages of production to determine control over applicable variables and troubleshooting/solving production problems Provides guidance to product design engineering on technical specifications that will best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques Ensures that production processes and procedures are following regulations Uses analytical thought to independently solve complex problems with minimal guidance and identify solutions May lead team or department projects or work streams within broader projects Acts as an advisor to management and key external stakeholders on job field related projects Acts as a resource and guide for colleagues with less experience Uses experience to contribute to standards in which others will operate Knowledge You Should Bring Bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, mechanical, manufacturing, industrial or electrical engineering or engineering technology relevant 6+ years experience supporting heat treatment operations, manufacturing engineering, and production troubleshooting including carburizing, nitriding, quenching, tempering, induction hardening, and metallurgical process control 6 + years experience in gear manufacturing processes, and driveline systems used in heavy‑duty truck powertrain applications. 6 + years prior experience in Furnace Operations 6+ years prior experience within the international manufacturing operations 6+ years expertise in quality systems, including ISO 9001 Audit Experience and VDA 6.3 Process Audit Experience Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing tools Exceptional Candidates Might Have Master’s degree German or Spanish language skills Lean Consultant Coach Six Sigma Green Belt Global Manufacturing Project Experience Where We Work This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Schedule Type: Onsite 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 Visa sponsorship will only be open to current Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa All other 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, mechanical, manufacturing, industrial or electrical engineering or engineering technology relevant
6+ years experience supporting heat treatment operations, manufacturing engineering, and production troubleshooting including carburizing, nitriding, quenching, tempering, induction hardening, and metallurgical process control
6 + years experience in gear manufacturing processes, and driveline systems used in heavy‑duty truck powertrain applications.
6 + years prior experience in Furnace Operations
6+ years prior experience within the international manufacturing operations
6+ years expertise in quality systems, including ISO 9001 Audit Experience and VDA 6.3 Process Audit Experience
Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing tools

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
German or Spanish language skills
Lean Consultant Coach
Six Sigma Green Belt
Global Manufacturing Project Experience

Responsibilities

Develop, validate, and sustain heat treatment processes (annealing, quenching, tempering, carburizing, nitriding, vacuum heat treating, etc.) for the efficient/economical mass production of gear sets
Monitor furnace performance and troubleshoot thermal systems and equipment
Create and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, work standard instructions (SWI), and control plans
Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations
Conduct metallurgical evaluations, hardness testing, and microstructure analysis
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and standard work improvements to enhance production efficiency
Use data tools to improve yield, reduce variation, and enhance cycle times
Interface with Quality personnel to provide directions on issues related to process quality
Assist Maintenance in trouble shooting breakdowns and scheduling preventative maintenance
Designs arrangement of manufacturing equipment to ensure most efficient and productive layout
Conducts tests throughout all stages of production to determine control over applicable variables and troubleshooting/solving production problems
Provides guidance to product design engineering on technical specifications that will best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques
Ensures that production processes and procedures are following regulations
Uses analytical thought to independently solve complex problems with minimal guidance and identify solutions
May lead team or department projects or work streams within broader projects
Acts as an advisor to management and key external stakeholders on job field related projects
Acts as a resource and guide for colleagues with less experience
Uses experience to contribute to standards in which others will operate

Benefits

annual bonus program
401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
13+ calendar holidays
8 weeks paid parental leave
employee assistance program
comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
onsite fitness (at some locations)
tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
short-term and long-term disability plans