Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Daimler Truck; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Insurance & fuel card

401k match

Paid vacation

Holidays and parental leave

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering in Portland, OR. You will lead a high-impact engineering team, drive lean and automated improvements, and partner across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain and R&D to deliver cost-effective, high-quality products.

You will shape the production network, manage capital initiatives, and ensure safety, compliance, and environmental standards while advancing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in driving lean manufacturing and automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated expertise in process planning, layout optimization, and project management.
• Visionary leadership and team-building abilities.
• Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
• Experience in feasibility studies, equipment installation, and process optimization.
• Multilingual skills (German or Spanish) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead with Vision & Purpose; guide engineer teams and influence product launches.
• Drive Continuous Improvement with automation and lean methodologies.
• Manage major capital projects, timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Champion Quality, Safety & Compliance across regulatory standards.
• Foster collaboration with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Lean manufacturing

Automation

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Multilingual (German/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

Inside the Role

Step into a pivotal leadership role at the forefront of commercial truck manufacturing.

As our Director of Manufacturing Engineering, you’ll drive innovation, shape the future of our production network, and make a lasting impact on our organization and the industry. This role is responsible for strategic planning, process optimization, and collaborative leadership, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with quality, safety, and environmental regulatory standards. The Director will work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, and other stakeholders to support business objectives and deliver high-quality products efficiently and cost-effectively.

So, if you’re passionate about continuous improvement, collaborative leadership, and delivering excellence, we want to meet you!

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

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience

Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program; company paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; non-qualified deferred compensation plan with company contribution of 7% of variable pay; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ holidays per calendar year; Paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance program; volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

Lead with Vision & Purpose

• Champion and execute forward-thinking manufacturing engineering strategies that fuel our company’s growth and success.
• Inspire, mentor, and empower a talented team of engineers and technical experts, cultivating a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Be a key voice in Product Steering Committee meetings, influencing the direction of new product launches and strategic initiatives.

Drive Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Spearhead transformative process improvements to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product quality.
• Harness the power of automation & lean manufacturing methodologies to keep us ahead of the curve.
• Lead the charge in planning and implementing new product introductions and plant enhancements, optimizing layouts, workflows, and equipment.

Manage High-Impact Projects

• Oversee major capital projects, from equipment selection to installation and validation, ensuring seamless execution.
• Take ownership of project timelines, budgets, and resources, delivering results that exceed expectations.
• Collaborate with finance and plant teams to shape and execute CapEx and operational plans.

Champion Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Set the standard for excellence by ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations and internal quality systems.
• Lead initiatives in environmental, safety, and data protection compliance, safeguarding our people and our reputation.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve challenges and implement robust corrective actions.

Foster Collaboration & Partnership

• Build strong, cross-functional relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Product Design, Plant Managers, and external partners.
• Facilitate open communication and knowledge sharing, driving alignment and innovation across the organization.

What Sets You Apart

• Strategic mindset with a passion for technical excellence.
• Relentless drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Outstanding communication and collaborative leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Perks & Impact

• Direct responsibility for multimillion-dollar budgets and high-visibility projects.
• Lead and develop a diverse team, shaping the future of our manufacturing operations.
• Be part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and growth.
• Commitment to compliance, safety, and employee well-being.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in driving lean manufacturing and automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated expertise in process planning, layout optimization, and project management.
• Visionary leadership and team-building abilities.
• Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
• Experience in feasibility studies, equipment installation, and process optimization.
• Multilingual skills (German or Spanish) are a plus.

Certifications (Preferred):

• PMP (Project Management Professional)

This position is not open for Expat opportunities.

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 for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

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.

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.