Project Engineer II

Inside the Role

Continuous Cost Improvement (CCI) and Complexity Optimization (CO) are critical DTNA initiatives focused on reducing material cost, eliminating unnecessary design complexity, and enabling faster, higher quality engineering decisions. Working cross functionally with Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, Manufacturing, Quality, Product Validation, and Changeover, this team drives cost and complexity results from idea generation through OLT approval and into implementation.
The Product Cost Excellence team operates under a unified process that integrates both technical and commercial levers, capturing value early in PAR, supporting DTNA’s Material Cost Program, and ensuring clear decision governance. This role provides visibility to senior leadership, ownership of cross functional initiatives, and the opportunity to directly influence DTNA’s cost competitiveness.

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:

Project Management & Execution

• Manage and support CCI and CO initiatives through the unified OLT process.
• Create and maintain detailed project timelines for cost and complexity initiatives.
• Coordinate bench marketing activities for Cascadia, M2, Western Star to surface early cost/complexity opportunities.
• Support PAR integration by surfacing cost and complexity drivers at decision Quality Gates.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Facilitate project meetings, design reviews, feasibility discussions, and OLT preparation.
• Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, ME, Finance, and Quality to validate technical measures and ensure alignment.
• Support Materials initiates through engineering-driven levers, measure validation, and wave planning.

Governance & Reporting

• Maintain clear ownership, governance, and status visibility for all initiatives.
• Publish meeting minutes, track action items, and manage OLT readiness.
• Prepare dashboards, KPIs, and leadership reports (Tableau, Power BI, SharePoint).

Knowledge You Should Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university/college required, OR 6 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree, required.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with Engineering or technical teams.
• Strong communication skills, including executive-level presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at varying maturity levels.
• Proficiency with SharePoint, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Strong organization and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Reporting experience to executive level.
• An attached resume is required.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have:

• Experience with cost reduction, value engineering, or complexity optimization.
• Experience with KPI development and dashboard/report creation.
• Exposure to PAR, or engineering change management processes.
• Knowledge of material cost, manufacturing processes, or supply chain levers.
• Experience working with AI-enabled or analytics tools.

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.