Project Engineer I

Daimler Truck • Portland, OR

2d • $71,000 - $91,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Inside the Role Continuous Cost Improvement (CCI) and Complexity Optimization (CO) are critical DTNA initiatives focused on reducing material cost, eliminating unnecessary design complexity, and enabling faster, higher quality engineering decisions. Working cross functionally with Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Validation, and Changeover, this team drives cost and complexity results from idea generation through OLT approval and into implementation. The CCI/CO team operates under a unified process that integrates both technical and commercial levers, capturing value early in PAR, supporting DTNA’s Material Cost Program, and ensuring clear decision governance. This role provides visibility to senior leadership, ownership of cross functional initiatives, and the opportunity to directly influence DTNA’s cost competitiveness. If you want to help shape the future of product cost and complexity at DTNA, join us. 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 $71,000 – $91,000 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: Project Support & Execution Support CCI and CO initiatives through data gathering, basic analysis, documentation, and task tracking. Assist in maintaining project timelines, action lists, and readiness for OLT reviews. Support early cost & complexity identification activities, including bench marketing preparation, part reviews, and basic competitive analysis. Help prepare materials for Design Reviews, OLTs, and cross‑functional discussions. Cross‑Functional Coordination Coordinate with Engineering, ME, Purchasing, Quality, and Finance to collect required information, documentation, and feasibility inputs. Support senior engineers by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and capturing meeting minutes. Maintain SharePoint repositories, project folders, and documentation libraries. Governance & Reporting Update dashboards, trackers, KPIs, and Tableau/Power BI reports under guidance from senior engineers. Track initiative status in alignment with DTNA’s unified CCI/CO process. Ensure consistent documentation and adherence to process requirements (PAR alignment, cost validations, change management inputs, etc.) Knowledge You Should Bring: Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain or related OR 3 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree Interest in product development, engineering processes, cost reduction, or data analysis Ability to support multiple initiatives and tasks in parallel Basic understanding of engineering or manufacturing concepts Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment Exceptional Candidates Might Have: Exposure to engineering project management or product development Familiarity with data analysis or dashboard tools (Power BI, Tableau) Understanding of cost reduction concepts, value engineering, or product complexity Experience with DTNA systems (PAR, CDS, Change Management) is a plus Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, or supply chain fundamentals Experience with AI-enabled or analytics tools is a plus 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. 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

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain or related OR 3 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Interest in product development, engineering processes, cost reduction, or data analysis
• Ability to support multiple initiatives and tasks in parallel
• Basic understanding of engineering or manufacturing concepts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to engineering project management or product development
• Familiarity with data analysis or dashboard tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Understanding of cost reduction concepts, value engineering, or product complexity
• Experience with DTNA systems (PAR, CDS, Change Management) is a plus
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, or supply chain fundamentals
• Experience with AI-enabled or analytics tools is a plus

Responsibilities

• Support CCI and CO initiatives through data gathering, basic analysis, documentation, and task tracking.
• Assist in maintaining project timelines, action lists, and readiness for OLT reviews.
• Support early cost & complexity identification activities, including bench marketing preparation, part reviews, and basic competitive analysis.
• Help prepare materials for Design Reviews, OLTs, and cross‑functional discussions.
• Coordinate with Engineering, ME, Purchasing, Quality, and Finance to collect required information, documentation, and feasibility inputs.
• Support senior engineers by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and capturing meeting minutes.
• Maintain SharePoint repositories, project folders, and documentation libraries.
• Update dashboards, trackers, KPIs, and Tableau/Power BI reports under guidance from senior engineers.
• Track initiative status in alignment with DTNA’s unified CCI/CO process.
• Ensure consistent documentation and adherence to process requirements (PAR alignment, cost validations, change management inputs, etc.)

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level