Vendor Recovery Specialist - Reliability Engineering

Inside the Role

As the Vendor Recovery Specialist, you will work within the Powertrain Current Product Reliability team to drive technical root cause identification and translate field performance issues into actionable vendor recovery cases. You will lead complex investigations, collaborate closely with Engineering and Field Quality Teams (FQTs), and ensure suppliers are held accountable for material, workmanship, and production-related failures. This role connects product reliability insights with financial recovery by turning data, failure analysis, and technical findings into strong, defensible cases while supporting global alignment and continuous improvement.

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

What You Drive at DTNA

• Drive and support technical root cause identification in collaboration with Engineering, FQTs, and suppliers

• Lead end-to-end execution of Vendor Recovery cases grounded in field data, failure analysis, and reliability insights

• Translate warranty and reliability data into robust technical cases that support supplier accountability

• Partner with cross-functional teams to close the loop between product performance issues and supplier responsibility

• Lead technical discussions and negotiations with suppliers, including complex and escalated topics

• Track and improve recovery performance by linking failure trends to recovery opportunities

• Drive continuous improvement of reliability and recovery processes, including tools and global standards (OWL, QMOS, PRISM)

• Collaborate across global and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on recovery strategy, KPIs, and processes

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering / engineering technology

• Experience: 5+ years of related experience

• Technical Skills:

  • Strong understanding of warranty data, failure modes, and field performance analysis

  • Experience supporting and driving root cause analysis and corrective actions

  • Ability to translate technical findings into clear business and financial impact

  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a global engineering and quality environment

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Experience leading complex technical investigations tied to supplier responsibility

• Proven success connecting product reliability insights to financial outcomes

• Strong problem-solving expertise, including Shainin, 8D, Six Sigma, or similar structured methodologies

• Experience in supplier negotiations involving technical root cause and liability discussions

• Knowledge of DTNA systems and processes (OWL, QMOS, PRISM, 12MIS)

• Experience influencing product reliability improvements through data-driven insights

• Ability to operate independently with high ownership in a technically complex, fast-paced environment

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:

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 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.