Transportation Design Intern

Daimler Truck AG • Portland, OR

5d • $21 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Design Intern joins DTNA’s collaborative Design Center team, which includes senior designers, a visualization and AI specialist, and a concept modeler, and works alongside related digital surfacing, physical modeling, prototyping, and UI/UX teams. Interns participate in the full design process on projects based on briefs from senior designers and management, from research and early ideation through final renderings or concept models. The role also supports active production programs and offers practical exposure to real-world vehicle design, while developing collaboration, communication, and design skills. Interns may be considered for a full-time role, subject to manager evaluations and business availability.

Internships begin each summer in May or June and may be located at various DTNA sites. This position is based in Portland, Oregon, and is onsite. Relocation assistance may be available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria. Pay is $21–$29 per hour, with placement based on anticipated graduation year.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program or higher in transportation design at an accredited college or university, or graduated within one year of the position start date in May or June.
• Expertise in ideation sketching and rendering.
• Strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the design process.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative mindset and passion for design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Alias.
• A PDF of recent work samples or a link to a design portfolio website is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills.
• Creative mindset.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States at the time of application; visa sponsorship and applications from existing visa holders are not accepted.
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check and may be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Previous automotive studio internship experience.
• Experience with VRED or Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and trend analysis to inform design solutions.
• Develop mood boards, design narratives, and personas.
• Create ideation sketches, digital renderings, and visual presentations.
• Contribute to concept development and, when applicable, production-focused design projects.
• Support concept model development.
• Work with experienced designers and cross-functional teams throughout the design process, from early ideation to final execution.
• Participate in weekly design critiques, receiving and providing constructive feedback.
• Balance creative design work with customer needs, quality, reliability, and business requirements.
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.

Benefits

• Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews and mock interviews.
• Housing and transportation stipend.
• Employee resource groups.
• Event ticket offering, based on corporate availability.
• Company social events.
• Relocation assistance may be available if the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

What This Job Offers

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