Project Engineer IV PCE Lead

Inside the Role

The Engineering PCE Project Lead drives Engineering-based, enterprise level cost and complexity optimization, process simplification, and strategic alignment across DTNA. This role leads high impact, cross functional initiatives that shape DTNA’s long term product cost structure and strengthen product margins, contributing directly to corporate financial targets.
Acting as a strategic advisor, the PCE Project Lead oversees a portfolio of Continuous Cost Improvement and Complexity Optimization initiatives, ensuring alignment with global Daimler Truck financial objectives, market requirements, and DTNA’s product strategy. The role provides guidance to embedded experts, collaborates with a variety of cross department stakeholders, and represents Engineering in decision-making forums.
This position requires deep technical and commercial vehicle knowledge, sophisticated financial analytical capability, and the ability to integrate engineering, financial, and sourcing considerations into actionable strategies.
This role is a unique opportunity to advance DTNA’s long-term strategic corporate targets by blending technical and financial knowledge requirements while leading internal and external stakeholders.

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

 

Continuous Cost Improvement & Complexity Optimization

• Lead the Material Cost Down project within PCE, driving identification, evaluation, cross functional alignment, and execution of cost‑optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross functional partners, such as Controlling, Quality, Purchasing, Product Strategy, Service, Customer Experience, to develop robust financial business analysis, integrating technical feasibility, financial impact, and market considerations.
• Support growing the material cost optimization initiative pipeline, ensuring prioritization based on strategic value, resource availability, and cross‑functional synergies.
• Represent Engineering in enterprise cost‑optimization forums, working closely with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and subject‑matter expertise to team members, elevating organizational capability in cost optimization.

 

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required and 8 years of commercial vehicle industry experience, is required
• Deep understanding of Engineering, Finance and Controlling, corporate, and product development processes.
• Strong analytical skills, including financial modeling, business case development, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Deep knowledge of DTNA products and processes.
• Corporate financial knowledge to support CO Engineering initiatives and improve cost of goods sold (COGS) margins.
• Proven success in leading large-scale cross-functional projects.
• Ability to advise senior leadership, influence cross‑functional decision‑making, and guide teams through complex, ambiguous challenges.
• An attached resume is required.

 

 

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• MBA strongly preferred.

 

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 cl