Head of CAE & Durability Testing

Inside the Role

The Head of CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) + Durability is a position within the TN/PT organization (Product Validation Engineering, Trucks NAFTA). This position provides executive leadership for vehicle, system, and component level analysis, simulation, and physical durability testing of DTNA product development solutions. This position will also lead development and implementation of key strategic global CAE and Durability initiatives aimed at validation efficiency and robustness 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

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience 

Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program; company paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; non-qualified deferred compensation plan with company contribution of 7% of variable pay;  starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ holidays per calendar year; Paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance program; volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans. 

What You Drive at DTNA

• Lead all aspects of vision, strategy, and execution related to Computer-Aided Engineeing (CAE) and Durability activities and validation correlation at the local DTNA level
• Lead and collaborate with global partners (Europe, Japan, India) on key technology and efficiency initiatives
• Motivate, inspire, and develop top talent in highly specialized CAE and Durability disciplines by utilizing a continuous feedback culture and transparent communication
• Select new employees as needed
• Ensure DTNA's CAE and Durability tools, processes, and approaches are consistent with those of global partners and satisfy current/future development needs
• Drive and strive to continually achieve greater accuracy and correlation of virtual simulations
• Actively collaborate with internal development and validation partners to achieve best results
• Manage and plan departmental budget, including external resources funding
• Oversee and direct off-site service agreement personnel at global locations  

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (or other scientific field), with minimum 10 years experience
• 4 years management experience with demonstrated leadership success required
• Knowledge of practical application of engineering principles and validation of vehicle systems and components
• Strong leadership, collaborative, and team-building skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to inspire others towards a vision
• Broad understanding of the Daimler Truck organization and development process
• Ability to travel internationally as required 
• Technical Competency Areas 
  • Structural Analysis & Durability 
  • Aerodynamics 
  • Multi-body Dynamics Simulation 
  • Powertrain performance simulation, diesel and zero emission powertrain systems 
  • Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH) 
  • Thermal Management and HVAC 
  • Digital model creation and management 
  • Fuel consumption and vehicle range prediction

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Masters degree or PhD preferred 
• Broad understanding of Daimler Truck organization and development process 
• English proficiency required; German proficiency a plus

Note: This position is open to Expat Assignment

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.

U.S. Visa sponsorship available if you qualify under the following:

• Hold a valid existing Visa (L1A, L1B, L2, TN, H1B, H4 EAD, OPT EAD, CPT)
• Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa
• Those eligible for a TN Visa (Canadian or Mexican National working in an Engineering, Accounting or Scientific Technologist capacity with an aligning degree)
• Those eligible for an L-1 (inter-company) Daimler Truck visa under the Corporate Blanket L-1 program would require at least one-year of qualifying experience in the last three years

Additional Information

• 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.