Head of Product Validation Engineering

Inside the Role

As the Head of Product Validation and Test Engineering you will lead the strategic direction and execution of product validation and testing activities for our truck and commercial vehicle portfolio. You will play a critical role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and innovative products that meet customer requirements and exceed industry standards. This executive-level position requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of product validation and testing processes within the automotive industry.

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

• Leadership and Strategy:

  • Provide strategic direction and technical leadership in product validation and test engineering activities.

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive product validation and testing strategy aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reliability, and efficiency.

• Team Management:

  • Lead and mentor a team of product validation and test engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

  • Assign responsibilities, set clear objectives, and provide regular feedback to ensure the team's success.

  • Promote professional development opportunities and cultivate technical expertise within the team.

• Product Validation and Testing:

  • Define and establish product validation and testing standards, processes, and methodologies.

  • Collaborate with design and development teams to define validation requirements and develop comprehensive test plans.

  • Oversee the execution of product validation activities, including functional testing, performance testing, stress testing, and reliability testing.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Test Automation and Tools:

  • Drive the development and implementation of test automation frameworks and tools to streamline validation processes and improve efficiency.

  • Evaluate and integrate new testing technologies, methodologies, and tools to enhance testing capabilities and accelerate time-to-market.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to identify and address product issues and drive continuous improvement.

  • Participate in product design reviews and provide input to enhance product reliability, manufacturability, and testability.

  • Foster effective communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of validation and testing activities.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation:

  • Identify potential risks and issues related to product validation and testing and develop proactive mitigation strategies.

  • Conduct thorough root cause analysis and provide guidance in resolving product issues or failures.

• Industry Engagement and Knowledge Development:

  • Stay updated on the latest advancements in product validation and testing methodologies, tools, and industry best practices.

  • Participate in relevant industry forums, conferences, and technical committees to represent Daimler Truck North America's interests.

  • Drive knowledge sharing and contribute to the development of internal technical standards and guidelines.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor's in related technical engineering field.

• 12+ years in an engineering leadership role.

• 4+ years of senior leadership experience

• Strong technical expertise in test engineering methodologies, validation techniques, and industry standards.

• Experience with test automation frameworks, tools, and scripting languages.

• Proficiency in interpreting technical specifications and design documentation.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering or related discipline

• 12+ years of experience in truck engineering

• Experience in leading product validation and testing engineering teams

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.