Chassis & Vehicle Dynamics Engineer 2

Inside the Role

Working in the Suspensions Group, this position has a direct impact on vehicle performance, as well as the driver's perception of the vehicle. This role offers opportunities to design and develop suspension components and systems for both current product and new product development. Suspension components for steer axle and drive axle suspensions are developed in partnership with internal and external suppliers. The suspensions group's responsibility includes both proprietary design and integration of supplier suspensions into DTNA vehicles for best-in-class performance and cost position. Activities include interfacing with internal departments and external component and system suppliers to develop industry-leading suspension systems, as well as collaborating across the broader organization to support cost, complexity, and quality initiatives. This role may also support broader Vehicle Dynamics department initiatives and assignments beyond the Suspensions Group, providing opportunities to contribute to cross-team projects and gain exposure across the department.

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

What You Drive at DTNA

• Design and develop vehicle components and systems.
• Apply Engineering and CAD principles to design vehicles that are safe, reliable, serviceable, and competitive.
• Provide the business unit with solutions for problems related to product design or documentation.
• Improve competitive market position by keeping abreast of state-of-the-art developments in the truck industry and applying new knowledge to designs.
• Interface with suppliers, Purchasing, Materials, Manufacturing, Quality, Warranty, Marketing, and other departments in the product development and testing phases.
• Generate and implement ideas to improve the work environment, systems, tools, processes, as well as product cost and quality.
• Support and contribute to cross-functional cost, complexity, and quality initiatives, gathering input across departments and developing clear, data-driven recommendations.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations effectively to audiences ranging from working-level engineers to senior leadership.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• BS in Mechanical Engineering required with 2-5 years of experience OR 5+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree required.
• Experience applying relevant Mechanical Engineering concepts and tools required.
• Demonstrated 3D CAD experience required.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences, required.
• Demonstrated collaborative skill in team and cross-functional environments required.
• Experience identifying and solving the root cause of complex problems required.
• Experience preparing and delivering presentations required.
• Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude required.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives required.
• Proven follow-through and ability to work independently, including the ability to quickly ramp up on new or unfamiliar technical areas, required.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and vehicle assembly plant processes required.
• Experience with DTNA systems required.
• An attached resume is required.

Exceptional Candidates May Have

• 2-5 years of related experience preferred.
• Experience resolving reliability issues preferred.
• Experience building consensus and influence across teams outside one's direct reporting structure preferred.
• Experience mentoring or developing junior engineers or interns preferred.
• Experience leading implementation of cross-functional improvement initiatives preferred.
• Experience developing business cases to support organizational decision-making preferred.
• Experience presenting findings or recommendations to Director-level or executive leadership preferred.
• Siemens NX CAD experience preferred.
• Experience in structural analysis, both FEA and experimental techniques, preferred.
• Suspension design knowledge preferred.
• Experience working with global or distributed engineering teams (e.g., DTICI) preferred.
• Experience communicating effectively across cross-cultural or globally distributed teams preferred.

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 solutions with cutting-edge advancements in sustainability and future driving technologies - across electric, hydrogen, and autonomous innovation. Backed by decades of proven success, these efforts continue DTNA’s legacy as an industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we operate as one team - driving toward a cleaner, safer, and more efficient future for all.

How we move forward together is defined by the DTNA Way - our shared approach to showing up for our customers, our colleagues, and the world we help move. We start with our customers, grounding every product, service, and decision in their success, knowing that when they move forward, so do we. At the same time, we act with urgency and intention, balancing speed with thoughtful decision-making to deliver results with integrity, accountability, and clarity. Across our entire organization, we collaborate as one team - bringing diverse perspectives, strengths, and expertise together with trust and respect - because we know we achieve more together than any one of us could alone.

Guided by these principles, we’re not just responding to change - we’re leading it. Together, we are building the future of transportation for all who keep the world moving.

U.S. Visa sponsorship available if you qualify under the following:

• Hold a valid existing Visa (L1A, L1B, L2, TN, H1B, H4 EAD, OPT EAD, CPT)
• Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa
• Those eligible for a TN Visa (Canadian or Mexican National working in an Engineering, Accounting or Scientific Technologist capacity with an aligning degree)
• Those eligible for an L-1 (inter-company) Daimler Truck visa under the Corporate Blanket L-1 program would require at least one-year of qualifying experience in the last three years

Additional Information

• 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.