Vehicle Thermal Integration - Validation Engineering Intern

Daimler Truck North America; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development and network

Housing and transportation stipend

Employee resource groups

Event ticket offering

Company social events

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is seeking motivated interns for the Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI) group. Interns will gain hands-on experience in vehicle testing, data collection, and validation across thermal systems and powertrain integration.

The role includes planning, coordinating, and reporting on Summer Test activities and may lead to a full-time transition based on performance. Position is located at DTNA in the Portland area with hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program or higher, or recently graduated within 1 year.
• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong interest in vehicle performance, thermodynamics, and hands-on testing.
• Ability to work in outdoor, lab, and vehicle test environments.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and structured problem solving.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel in support of Summer Test activities.
• Junior or Senior standing in the upcoming academic term preferred.
• Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or powertrain systems preferred.
• Exposure to vehicle testing, instrumentation, or data acquisition (e.g., CANape or similar).
• Experience with data analysis using engineering tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar preferred.
• Experience working in team-based engineering environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills.
• Creative mindset.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Support vehicle-level thermodynamics and performance testing, including cooling and environmental exposure.
• Assist with planning and execution of Summer Test activities, including instrumentation and test setup.
• Help set up, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Collect, process, and review vehicle test data; support root cause analysis of thermal or performance issues.
• Work closely with Design Engineering and Powertrain teams to align testing with design intent.
• Document test results and contribute to summaries, reports, and technical discussions.
• Support continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and procedures.
• Participate in a collaborative, hands-on test environment with on-vehicle work.
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Vehicle testing

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

CANape

Team collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CANape

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Inside the Role

Interns will gain knowledge and experience through exciting and real‑life learning opportunities. Interns must work in accordance with DTNA’s core values of passion, respect, integrity and discipline. Internship positions can be located at various DTNA locations across the US. We are looking for high performing and motivated individuals in various areas within DTNA organizations. DTNA internships begin each summer in May or June.

Product Validation Engineering’s Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI)

Product Validation Engineering’s Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI) group validates vehicle performance across thermal systems, environmental exposure, full‑vehicle operation, and powertrain integration to ensure DTNA vehicles meet regulatory and real‑world customer requirements. This internship provides hands‑on experience in vehicle testing and data analysis within these critical validation areas. The role will own summer test requests, including planning, coordination, and report‑out, and support on‑site testing activities at remote locations in high ambient temperature and high‑altitude conditions. The intern will also assist with data collection, analysis, and documentation to ensure accurate validation of vehicle performance. Interns in this role may have the opportunity to transition into a full‑time position subject to manager evaluations and business availability.

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.

Salary & Benefits

Salary placement is determined by your anticipated graduation year and ranges between $21 - $29 per hour.

Benefits include:

• Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews/mock interviews
• Housing and transportation stipend
• Employee resource groups
• Event ticket offering (based on corporate availability)
• Company social events

What You Drive at DTNA

• Support vehicle‑level thermodynamics and performance testing, including cooling, aftertreatment systems, air systems, and environmental exposure
• Assist with planning and execution of Summer Test activities, including vehicle instrumentation, test setup, and daily test support
• Help set up, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Collect, process, and review vehicle test data; support root cause analysis of thermal or performance issues
• Work closely with Design Engineering, Powertrain, and other PVE teams to align testing with design intent
• Document test results and contribute to summaries, reports, and technical discussions
• Support continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and procedures
• Participate in a collaborative, hands‑on test environment with on‑vehicle work
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where everyone belongs

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program or higher from an accredited college/university OR have recently graduated within 1 year of the position start date (May/June)
• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Strong interest in vehicle performance, thermodynamics, and hands‑on testing
• Ability to work in outdoor, lab, and vehicle test environments
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and structured problem solving
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel in support of Summer Test activities
• Junior or Senior standing in the upcoming academic term preferred
• Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or powertrain systems preferred
• Exposure to vehicle testing, instrumentation, or data acquisition (e.g., CANape or similar)
• Experience with data analysis using engineering tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar preferred
• Experience working in team‑based engineering environments
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Solid organizational skills
• Creative mindset
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment

#LI-Hybrid

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.

Company Overview

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 to 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 Statement

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.