Autonomous Powertrain System Engineer I

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

401k with company match

4 weeks paid vacation

13+ holidays

8 weeks parental leave

Healthcare plans

Onsite fitness

Tuition assistance

Disability plans

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America is seeking a Powertrain Systems Owner to lead end‑to‑end powertrain development for autonomous and advanced vehicle programs in Portland, OR. You will define requirements, integrate software and hardware, coordinate with suppliers and validation teams, and ensure production readiness across ECU ecosystems.

You will drive software release planning, manage validation strategies, and collaborate with global engineering groups to deliver production‑ready powertrain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering discipline; 0–2 years of experience.
• Basic understanding of automotive powertrain systems, controls, and vehicle communications.
• Experience with embedded ECUs and automotive software development processes.

Responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end powertrain system development from concept to production release.
• Coordinate across ECU suppliers, software teams, validation, and vehicle programs.
• Drive validation campaigns, defect resolution, and readiness signoff for production.
• Communicate status, risks, and requirements to leadership and program teams.
• Collaborate with global partners to ensure timely deliverables and ramp readiness.

Skills

Embedded systems

ECU networking

System ownership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering

Tools

CAN simulation tools

VEPS

ECU flashing

Release management tools

Job description

Inside the Role

As a Powertrain Systems Owner at Daimler Truck North America, you will be responsible for the end‑to‑end definition, integration, validation, and release readiness of autonomous and advanced vehicle powertrain systems. You will serve as the primary technical owner for powertrain functionality across vehicle programs, ensuring that software, hardware, calibration, diagnostics, cybersecurity, networking, and validation activities are aligned and delivered to support vehicle integration milestones. Working at the intersection of systems engineering, software development, validation, and supplier management, you will coordinate across internal engineering teams, suppliers, and external partners to develop and release production‑ready powertrain solutions. You will translate vehicle‑level requirements into implementable component deliverables, drive issue resolution across a complex ECU ecosystem, and ensure compliance with program objectives, safety expectations, and customer commitments. In this role, you will act as the technical focal point for powertrain system readiness from concept through production release, enabling successful delivery of next‑generation autonomous and advanced commercial vehicle platforms.

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.

Position offers a starting salary range of $71,000.00 - $91,000.00 USDPay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, andexperience.

• annual bonus program
• 401kcompany contribution with company match up to6% as well as non-elective company contribution of3 - 7% depending on age
• starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
• 13+ calendar holidays
• 8 weeks paidparental leave
• employee assistance program
• comprehensive healthcare plans and wellnessprograms
• onsite fitness (at some locations)
• tuitionassistance and volunteer paid time off
• short-termand long-term disability plans

What You Drive at DTNA

Own the technical development, integration, and release readiness of vehicle powertrain systems across autonomous and advanced vehicle programs. Define, manage, and coordinate powertrain system requirements across multiple ECU suppliers, software teams, and vehicle development organizations. Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for powertrain software releases, hardware updates, ECU compatibility, and system‑level functionality. Drive delivery and signoff of customer, program, and vehicle‑level requirements through coordination of suppliers, validation teams, and engineering stakeholders. Lead cross‑functional issue resolution activities involving powertrain software, diagnostics, communications, cybersecurity, networking, and system integration. Coordinate software release planning for CPC, MCM, ACM, and TCM powertrain controllers to ensure vehicle build readiness and production support. Coordinate and maintain powertrain Autonomous specific Bills of Material (BOMs), release documentation, module definitions, and configuration management artifacts. Define and track powertrain readiness metrics, risks, blockers, dependencies, and critical-path activities for program leadership teams. Partner with validation organizations to develop and execute component, bench, HiL, vehicle‑level, diagnostics, PCT, NCT, FCT, and end‑to‑end test strategies. Drive VEPS readiness activities, software charting, flash package development, production release preparation, and vehicle update planning. Coordinate change requests, defect resolution, feature implementation activities, and VMM/network communication updates required for vehicle integration. Evaluate impacts of software, hardware, calibration, cybersecurity, and networking changes across the powertrain ecosystem. Support vehicle build activities, workshop integration, field troubleshooting, validation campaigns, and prototype development efforts. Collaborate with suppliers and internal development organizations across the US and Europe to secure deliverables, establish timelines, and remove program execution barriers. Communicate technical status, risks, recommendations, and readiness assessments to engineering leadership and program management teams. Capture lessons learned and continuously improve powertrain development, integration, and validation processes.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, and 0-2 years of experience, is required
• Basic understanding of automotive powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, emissions systems, controls, and vehicle communications
• Experience working with embedded systems and networked electronic control units (ECUs)
• Knowledge of automotive software development, calibration, release management, and configuration control processes
• Understanding of requirements development, traceability, validation planning, and defect management processes
• Experience managing technical risks, dependencies, and readiness assessments within complex engineering programs
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to drive closure on ambiguous or cross‑functional technical issues
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams while maintaining ownership of critical program deliverables
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross‑functional teams

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Detailed understanding of CAN and experience with CAN simulation and analysis tools
• Experience serving as a System Owner, System Integrator, Component Owner, or Technical Lead for automotive powertrain systems
• Experience supporting autonomous vehicle, advanced driver assistance, electrified vehicle, or software‑defined vehicle programs
• Knowledge of Detroit, Cummins, Allison, Eaton, or similar commercial vehicle powertrain products
• Experience with VEPS, ECU flashing, software charting, release management, and production readiness activities
• Familiarity with ELM, change request management workflows, defect tracking systems, and requirements management tools
• Experience with vehicle networking management, VMM releases, gateway routing, and cybersecurity integration activities
• Understanding of production release processes including PPAP, validation signoff, and manufacturing readiness
• Experience coordinating component readiness workshops, build events, prototype programs, and vehicle integration activities
• Knowledge of functional safety, cybersecurity, diagnostics, and over‑the‑air software deployment considerations
• Experience supporting global engineering organizations and supplier development teams

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

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.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. CHANGE THE WORLD. Are you ready to join the inspired people who are helping shape the future of commercial vehicle manufacturing? Our employees enjoy lucrative benefits, competitive salaries and the opportunity to work in jobs across many functions—mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, accounting, sales & marketing, IT and more—both within our company and in our offices around the world.