Mechanical Product Validation Engineering Intern

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.

The Subsystem Optimization and Validation Team is built on three core pillars:
Subsystem-Level Analysis
Process Simulation
Mechanisms & Compliance Testing

A key differentiator of the team is the close integration of simulation and physical testing, enabling comprehensive correlation studies between virtual predictions and real-world performance. This unique capability supports the continuous improvement of simulation methodologies and increases confidence in engineering decisions.

As an intern, you will play a critical role in advancing our Real-to-Virtual initiative. Your responsibilities will include supporting the setup and execution of validation tests, documenting test procedures and results, organizing and analyzing test data, and comparing physical test outcomes with simulation predictions. Through these activities, you will help establish robust correlations between analytical models and real-world behavior, contributing directly to the development of more accurate and predictive engineering tools.

This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of CAE, process simulation, experimental testing, and product validation, while working closely with experienced engineers across multiple disciplines.

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.

We Take Care of Our Team

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

• Develop tools and processes that improve and optimize validation activities
• Improve efficiencies in our procedures by reducing errors and downtime
• Create material suggestions and deliver material in context data to the functional analysis and testing teams
• Identify project risks and escalate to management when appropriate
• Prepare and present project status reports and KPIs as needed for key milestones
• Support creation of detailed project plans and bottom-up budgets presented to management for review and approval. Clearly communicate project scope, test requirements, and department/organization interdependencies
• Develop Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R). Identify the objectives and applicable standards and define test cases, test procedures
• Advise project leads and manager of project scope, impacts, and timing as it relates to validation efforts and activities for projects
• 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) 
• Availability for 6 mo. internship highly prefered
• Mechanical and Electrical Engineering preferred
• Experince with analysis or computational simulation engineering preferred
• Entry level familiarity with programming preferred
• Experince with labview preferred
• Interest in hands on engineering
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to shifting priorities
• 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.

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 - 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.