Product Engineer I - Hoods & Fenders
Daimler Truck North America is a leader in the trucking industry, dedicated to building innovative and high-quality vehicles. The Product Engineer I role focuses on the design, development, and validation of exterior components such as hoods and fenders, ensuring they meet safety and durability standards while integrating seamlessly with vehicle systems.
Responsibilities
- Concept, develop, and release best-in-class hood, fender, and related exterior components with a strong awareness of overall vehicle integration and packaging
- Apply sound engineering principles to deliver safe, reliable, serviceable, cost-effective designs across composite, plastic, and metal structures
- Create and maintain 3D models, drawings, and GD&T using NX and related tools
- Partner with Product Design, Manufacturing, Validation, Purchasing, Quality, and suppliers to deliver robust, production-ready components
- Select materials and manufacturing processes (fiber-reinforced plastics, injection/blow molding, castings, stampings) appropriate to performance, cost, and quality targets
- Support manufacturing plants, resolve validation and build issues, and implement effective countermeasures
- Manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver releases on time and within budget while communicating risks and status clearly
- Continuously improve product cost, quality, tools, and processes while staying current with industry developments
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience using CAD tools (preferably NX), including surface-based modeling and engineering drawing creation
- Solid understanding of upstream and downstream engineering processes, from concept through manufacturing support
- Ability to collaborate across functions and suppliers to resolve competing requirements and deliver robust design solutions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information
- Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, follow through on commitments, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- An attached resume is required
- Experience designing vehicle exterior or structural components using fiber-reinforced composites, plastics, and/or metal parts
- Familiarity with plastic manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, RIM) and metal processes (e.g., stampings, castings)
- Exposure to vehicle assembly plant processes and cross-functional product launch activities
- Experience working within DTNA systems such as SMARAGD, PLATON, or IMACS
Benefits
- 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
- Volunteer paid time off
- Short-term and long-term disability plans
Company Overview