Transportation Design Intern

Daimler Truck North America • Portland, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Design Intern joins Daimler Truck North America’s collaborative Design Center team and gains experience working on real-world vehicle design programs. The team includes senior designers, a visualization and AI specialist, and a concept modeler, while the broader department also encompasses digital surfacing (CAD), physical modeling, prototyping, and UI/UX design. Interns participate in the full design process on projects developed from briefs provided by senior designers and management, as well as supporting active production programs. Work may include research, trend analysis, mood boards, persona development, sketch ideation, digital renderings, visual presentations, and concept development. Projects receive multiple rounds of feedback and may result in final renderings or concept models. Interns take part in weekly design critiques and are expected to both receive and provide constructive feedback. The role provides hands-on opportunities to build collaboration, communication, and design skills. The internship begins in May or June, and may lead to a full-time position subject to manager evaluations and business availability.

The position is onsite in Portland, Oregon. Relocation assistance may be available to eligible candidates. Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States; visa sponsorship and applications from existing visa holders are not accepted. Final candidates must complete a criminal background check and may be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen.

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's May/June start date.
• Expertise in ideation sketching and rendering.
• Strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the design process.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills for design reviews.
• Collaborative mindset and passion for design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Alias Design.
• A PDF of recent work samples or a link to a portfolio website is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills.
• Creative mindset and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States at the time of application.

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 sketches, ideation work, and digital renderings.
• Develop concept designs and support production-focused design projects when applicable.
• Build visual presentations and support concept model development.
• Balance creative design work with customer needs, quality, reliability, and business requirements.
• Work with experienced designers and cross-functional teams throughout the design process, from early ideation to final execution.
• Support active production programs.
• Participate in weekly design critiques, receive feedback, and provide constructive feedback.
• 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 for candidates who meet eligibility criteria.

What This Job Offers

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