Concept Surface Designer

Inside the Role

Be a Game-Changer in the Design Center at DTNA! We push for design excellence in all that we do and are driven by four core values: Respect, Pioneering, Tenacity & Excellence. Fostering an environment of genuine trust, inclusivity and belonging is paramount to how we operate. Our commitment to innovation and progressive design expression results in products that the customers and operators love.
As a Concept Surface Designer (L6), you will bring your creative expertise and passion for form development to this high performance team and be at the forefront of exciting projects that shape the future of the trucking industry.

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 $95,000 – $121,000 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

• Actively contribute to strategic projects that drive the future of our brands with your own design proposals

• Lead the development of creative concept surface proposals for future vehicle projects, using 3D surface tools

• Translate technical digital inputs and packaging restriction data to ensure alignment with design vision and production feasibility

• Collaborate with the Chief Designer and cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, drive project milestones, and deliver mature design intent input to the other support teams

• Solve complex design challenges through close collaboration with Surfacing, Modeling and Engineering teams, ensuring seamless integration of aesthetic and technical requirements

• Champion continuous improvement in the creation of design input, mentor junior design team members, and pioneer initiatives that enhance studio capabilities

• Manage the creation of the Color Material & Finish documentation for projects, work with suppliers to develop the intended material path and coordinate the storage of the material samples

 

Knowledge You Should Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation or Automotive Design.

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in concept surface modeling for an automotive design studio

• Proficiency in Alias, Blender, Photoshop and Illustrator

• Experience with creation of your own design concepts and digital modeling processes, which includes creating 3D-printed components, validating designs in virtual reality, and visualization

• Advanced knowledge of design-to-production workflows and the ability to integrate engineering feedback into concept surface development

• Proven ability to work independently within established design processes to solve complex concept surface and creative design challenges

• Strong communicator with a talent for verbalizing design intent to other engineering partners and executive management

• Experience providing informal guidance to junior team members and contributing to continuous improvement in design development creative production

• Passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation in the transportation industry

Portfolio Requirement: 

• Attached pdf of your latest work samples or link to a website

Exceptional Candidates Might Have:

• Experience collaborating across international teams and contributing to cross-brand design initiatives

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.