Validation Engineering Project Manager

Inside the Role

Within Daimler Truck North America, the Product Validation Engineering (PVE) Department is responsible for component-, system-, and vehicle-level validation work to assure our products are the industry leaders in reliability, supporting the lowest Total Cost of Ownership objectives for our customers. This is an excellent department to gain knowledge of our products as well as expand your professional network. PVE Business Operations is a multi-faceted team within PVE, responsible for managing new product projects on behalf of the department, developing and planning test truck builds to support validation requirements, procuring and fabricating test parts, managing facilities, and planning/controlling the overall department budget.

This Project Manager position is part of the Planning Team within PVE Business Operations. It works closely with stakeholders both inside and outside of PVE to ensure the department's validation requirements for new product projects are completed on time and within budget. This high-visibility role offers an opportunity to interface regularly with executive leadership, engage in cross-functional collaboration across the entire company, and provide guidance for important project decisions.

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 salary range of $86,000 to $110,000 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; tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off, short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

• Represent PVE Department on cross-functional project core teams
• Align with Engineering stakeholders on project objectives, deliverables, and timeline
• Communicate project scope to PVE management, and work closely with functional leads to develop accurate bottom-up project estimates
• Create detailed project validation plans including labor requirements, budget, and timeline, for small- to large-scale new product projects, in accordance with Daimler Truck’s Commercial Vehicle Development System (CV-DS) process
• Create detailed test truck development and build plans and align with key stakeholders
• Present detailed project plans and bottom-up budgets to PVE executive management for review and approval.  Clearly communicate project scope, test requirements, and department/organization interdependencies
• Identify project risks and escalate to management when appropriate.  Prepare and present project status reports and KPIs as needed for CVDS gate updates and other key milestones
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute B- and C-sample test truck build scope in manufacturing plant and/or in PVE prototype build shop
• Work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate prototype parts requirements to support Engineering requirements and test truck builds
• Coordinate cross-functional reviews of test truck specifications and order parts as required
• Present weekly visual management project status updates to PVE management
• Maintain project information and disseminate critical information to impacted areas
• Support continuous improvement initiatives on internal processes and documentation within PVE Planning Team
• Provide informal guidance to new team members

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Management, or related discipline, and at least 3 years of relevant experience; OR
• Associate’s degree in Engineering or Business Management, or related discipline, and at least 5 years of relevant experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience in project management and in leading project team
• Data-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently and in an environment of ambiguity and ongoing change
• Proficient in MS Office suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Ability to work in the office at least four days per week and at other times as necessary to support project activities

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Experience with SharePoint, Tableau, Power BI, Jira, IMACS/IMS, and eTool
• Knowledge of Daimler Truck’s Commercial Vehicle Development System (CVDS) processes
• Knowledge of Freightliner/Western Star truck systems and components
• PMP Certification
• Knowledge of Lean principals

#LI-CF1

#LI-HYBRID

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.