Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Supervisor II – Performance Operations & Testing Support

Daimler Truck North America; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 12,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401k match

4 weeks vacation

Holidays 13+

Parental leave 8 weeks

Healthcare plans

Onsite fitness

Tuition assistance

Volunteer time off

Disability coverage

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America in Detroit seeks a Powertrain Test Center supervisor to lead the 2nd shift, overseeing engineering technicians and test cell operations. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and budget adherence while driving performance improvements.

The ideal candidate combines mechanical/electrical knowledge with strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to ensure timely, compliant testing and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required with ABET accreditation.
• 1–2 years of project leadership experience.
• 7–10 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Knowledge of testing regulations and technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Support Performance Operations and Testing to drive powertrain development and validation.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives and tools.
• Create and oversee engineering projects, timelines and budgets.
• Research investments to enhance test center performance.
• Reduce downtime by solving recurring component failures.
• Maintain standard work instructions and processes.
• Coordinate daily operation of the Performance Operations team including UAW 412 staff.

Skills

Leadership

Project coordination

Strong communication

MS Office & databases

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related ABET

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Dynamometer knowledge

Job description

Inside the Role

Daimler Truck North America is the market leader and thrives as the voice of the trucking industry.

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain validation for our global Daimler Truck brand including conventional diesel and alternative powertrain components.

Supervises a team of engineering laboratory unionized staff and develops operating procedures to ensure that setup and testing is conducted within budgets and according to established standards.

Directs and coordinates fabrication, installation, operation, application, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical machines, equipment, tools, engines, and systems.

Ensures that quality levels and industry standards are maintained or improved in the engineering process.

Support and participate in designing and developing a combination of mechanical and electrical products, components, or systems including applying mechanical and/or electrical engineering principles to develop products, components, and systems.

Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication, and assembly of prototype mechanical and/or electrical products and components.

Collaborates with engineering product teams to support the development of products that meet technical/functional specifications as well as prototyping cost/efficiency requirements.

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 $12,000 – $155,000 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.

• Role is for 2nd shift: 3pm- 11pm**

What You Drive At DTNA

• Support Performance Operations and Testing related topics that drive the development, validation and launch of conventional and alternative powertrains.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement engineering initiatives, processes, methods, tools, etc.
• Create and oversee engineering projects, timelines and assist management with defining budget requirements.
• Researches, evaluates, and recommends investments in technology, equipment, systems, or other assets that will enhance the test center’s performance.
• Reduce downtime by utilizing problem solving skills, and tracking common component failures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard work Instructions & processes to optimize efficiencies within the Performance Operations workgroup.
• Manage the daily operation within the Performance Operations and Testing team consisting of UAW 412 Engineering Technicians and alignment with performance test engineers group leader.
• Help troubleshoot performance test cell operational and/or data quality issues related to engine testing. This includes effective follow-up and reporting to confirm issues are resolved.
• Effectively communicate with all applicable employees to evaluate problems and issues, assign the appropriate engineering technicians or delegate to appropriate workgroup supervisor, and follow up to ensure assignments are completed to minimize testing downtime.
• Evaluate work of engineering technicians and performance test cell metrics, enforce agreements & DTNA policies and collective bargaining agreements, assist manager with staffing recommendations, and provide constructive criticism and discipline as necessary to team members.
• Ensure safety procedures and 5S principles are adhered to in accordance with company policy.
• Using various systems, distribute work requests to UAW 412 technicians and confirm task completion.
• Schedule and approve overtime, timecard management, and execute contract agreements with represented UAW 412 employees.
• Actively participate in group shop floor management meetings (SFM), Group Visual Board.
• Distribute safety related training documentation and perform regular safety audits.
• Onsite required to support hourly employees and business efficiency.
• Must collaborate with product teams and lab support teams to support business efficiency and achieve monthly KPI targets.
• Provide flexible shift coverage to support group carryover transition to off-shift Supervisor.
• Provide flexible weekend coverage to support manpower allocation effectiveness.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related fields (ABET Accredited University)
• 1-2 years of project leadership.
• 7-10 years of relevant experience required.
• Technical knowledge in diesel engine performance testing, performance test cell setup, data acquisition systems, dynamometer motors and drives. Air handling systems including test cell ventilation, combustion air and dilution air. Testing equipment including couplings, heat exchangers, control valves. PLC systems.
• Knowledge of maintenance systems, technical operations, and testing regulations.
• Proficient in technical reports and written procedures.
• Experience identifying and solving the root cause of complex problems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and inform management of any barriers.
• Ability to work in a truly global environment with different cultures to collaborate successfully, including union & salary employees.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong PC skills including MS Office and database tools.
• Broad knowledge of internal combustion and electric mobility powertrain electronics and systems from a product and testing perspective.
• Strong mechanical aptitude to be able to work across various engineering disciplines.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related fields (ABET Accredited University).
• Prior experience in a supervisory position
• High voltage certification.
• Certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) or similar organizations.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Onsite

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.