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Daimler Truck

Surface and Concept Development Design Engineer II

Daimler Truck, Portland

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Inside the Role
The DTNA Design Center Team strives to become the "Global Leader in Truck Design". We push for design excellence in all that we do and are driven by four core values: Respect, Pioneering, Tenacity & Excellence. Fostering an environment of genuine trust, inclusivity and belonging is paramount to how we operate. Our commitment to innovation and progressive design expression results in products that the customers and operators crave.
As a Digital Sculptor, you will bring your creative expertise and passion for form to this high performance team responsible for the DTNA portfolio of multi branded products; Freightliner, Western Star and business subsidiaries. Your strong passion for Design and outstanding skills will be a vital part of the Design Studio process of developing current production platforms, advanced design projects and concept vehicles.
Together we shape the future!
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
  • Lead the development of high-quality exterior and interior surfaces for production, advanced, and concept vehicles, using 3D CAD, scale and full-size models, and show vehicle platforms.
  • Translate clay and digital inputs into Class "A" surfaces using industry-standard tools, ensuring alignment with design vision and production feasibility.
  • Collaborate with the Surface Development Manager and cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, drive project milestones, and deliver refined digital models on schedule.
  • Support physical model development by building digital armatures, managing 3D printing workflows, and delivering accurate reference components for clay modeling.
  • Leverage virtual reality tools to assess and refine surface quality, form, and proportion throughout the design process.
  • Solve complex design challenges through close collaboration with Design, Engineering, and Modeling teams, ensuring seamless integration of aesthetic and technical requirements.
  • Champion continuous improvement in digital modeling workflows, mentor junior sculptors, and lead focused initiatives that elevate studio capabilities.
Knowledge You Should Bring
  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is typically required.
  • 2-4 years of relevant experience in surface development, digital modeling, or automotive design; or 6+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
  • Proficiency in Class "A" surfacing using industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., Alias, ICEM Surf, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of digital and physical modeling workflows, including creating 3D-printed components, validating designs in virtual reality, and integrating digital models with clay modeling processes.
  • Advanced knowledge of design-to-production workflows and the ability to integrate engineering feedback into surface development.
  • Proven ability to work independently within established design processes to solve complex surfacing and modeling challenges.
  • Strong communicator with a talent for bridging creative and technical disciplines to align cross-functional teams.
  • High-level proficiency with real-time visualization tools or 3D platforms such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and VRED is highly valued, with an emphasis on an expectation to innovate and push creative boundaries within these environments.
  • Experience providing informal guidance to junior team members and contributing to continuous improvement in modeling workflows.
  • Passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation in the transportation industry.
Exceptional Candidates Might Have
  • Advanced proficiency in Siemens NX for surface development and digital modeling.
  • Experience collaborating across international teams and contributing to cross-brand design initiatives.
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 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.