Head of Engineering Operations

Inside the Role The Executive of Engineering Operations leads the processes, systems, documentation, vehicle configuration, production-support, technology-partnership, and AI capabilities that enable Product Engineering to deliver accurate, manufacturable, and sustainable solutions throughout the product lifecycle. This position oversees engineering release processes, drawing and part quality, vehicle configuration systems, engineering systems, the representation of Engineering needs to IT, and support for production operations and Truck Equipment Manufacturers (TEMs). The Executive also serves as the Engineering & Technology AI Ambassador, developing the functional AI strategy in alignment with DTG and DTNA AI strategy and championing responsible, value-focused adoption across the organization. As a member of the Product Engineering leadership team, the Executive partners across Engineering, Production, Sales and Marketing, IT, Data and AI teams, Compliance, Service and Aftermarket, Lifecycle Management, Product Strategy, and SpecPro to strengthen execution, improve engineering quality, and ensure effective support across product development, launch, and lifecycle management. Role Mission: Enable Product Engineering execution through reliable systems, strategic IT partnership, responsible AI adoption, accurate documentation, validated configurations, and responsive production support. 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 Engineering Systems and Strategic IT Partnership Lead Engineering Systems activities by improving engineering processes, maintaining critical infrastructure, customizing tools, and driving sustainable system initiatives. Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering and IT, translating engineering priorities, pain points, infrastructure needs, and future capability requirements into a clear and prioritized demand portfolio. Partner with IT to align system roadmaps, architecture, support models, cybersecurity, data access, compute capacity, and investment priorities with Engineering business and technical requirements. Provide Engineering sponsorship and governance for major IT initiatives, ensuring clear business ownership, measurable outcomes, effective adoption, and sustained value realization. Promote effective use of engineering tools, infrastructure, data, and workflows across the organization. AI Strategy and Engineering & Technology AI Ambassador Develop and maintain the Engineering & Technology AI strategy in alignment with DTG and DTNA AI strategy, governance, architecture, security, compliance, and responsible-AI principles. Serve as the AI Ambassador for Engineering & Technology, establishing vision, direction, priorities, and an adoption roadmap for AI-enabled engineering capabilities. Identify and prioritize high-value AI use cases that improve engineering productivity, quality, speed, knowledge reuse, decision-making, and employee experience. Partner with DTG, DTNA, IT, Data and AI teams, functional leaders, and use-case owners to coordinate solution development, deployment, scaling, and lifecycle governance. Establish transparent value-assessment, prioritization, risk-management, and performance-measurement mechanisms for the Engineering & Technology AI portfolio. Champion AI literacy, responsible experimentation, change leadership, and broad adoption while ensuring appropriate human oversight and protection of company data and intellectual property. Vehicle Configuration Management Lead vehicle configuration-management activities supporting accurate and validated product configurations. Oversee configuration support for pricing and exemptions, module orders, bill-of-material approvals, chassis calculations, and specification accuracy. Engineering Documentation and Release Management Oversee engineering documentation and release processes, ensuring the accuracy and quality of engineering drawings and parts. Provide effective tools, standards, training, and operational support; align documentation standards globally where applicable; and support audits, reporting, and governance. Drive standardized processes and documentation that improve consistency and reduce defects and rework. Production and TEM Liaison Engineering Lead the liaison between Production and Engineering to support timely resolution of product and manufacturing issues. Drive product-design improvements based on production experience and operational feedback. Oversee shopcall management and related issue-resolution processes. Ensure effective engineering support for production facilities and Truck Equipment Manufacturers and promote innovation across the production-engineering interface. Cross-Functional Product Execution Integrate Engineering Operations activities with project timelines, vehicle scope, design requirements, and product-development priorities. Partner with Product Strategy, Sales, SpecPro, Engineering across DTNA, TBB, and FCCC, Compliance, Production, IT, Service and Aftermarket, and Lifecycle Management. Represent Engineering Operations in cross-functional governance, readiness, investment-prioritization, and issue-resolution forums. Organizational and People Leadership Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Engineering Operations organization. Develop leaders and technical professionals across Engineering Systems, AI enablement, vehicle configuration, engineering documentation, and Liaison Engineering. Establish clear priorities, accountability, and performance expectations while fostering execution excellence, inclusion, collaboration, continuous improvement, innovation, and customer focus. Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and knowledge-sharing. Core Deliverables Standardized engineering processes and documentation Validated product configurations and customized chassis layouts Sustainable engineering-system infrastructure A clear, prioritized Engineering demand portfolio and roadmap interface with IT An Engineering & Technology AI strategy and prioritized AI portfolio aligned with DTG and DTNA direction Accurate engineering drawings, parts, specifications, and release information Effective production and TEM engineering support Knowledge You Should Bring Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline and 10 years experience Significant progressive leadership experience in product engineering, engineering operations, manufacturing engineering, engineering systems, configuration management, documentation, digital transformation, or a related technical function. 4 year's demonstrated experience leading managers, technical professionals, or multidisciplinary engineering teams. Strong knowledge of product-development and engineering-release processes. Experience translating functional business needs into technology priorities, roadmaps, or investment decisions. Demonstrated ability to lead across organizational boundaries and resolve complex cross-functional issues. Strong strategic thinking, execution, communication, and stakeholder-management skills. Exceptional Candidates Might Have Advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience in the commercial-vehicle, automotive, transportation, or complex manufacturing industry. Experience supporting production operations and resolving engineering issues in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of vehicle configuration, customized chassis applications, engineering documentation, and release-management practices. Experience leading AI strategy, digital transformation, engineering-system modernization, workflow automation, data-quality, or enterprise technology initiatives. Knowledge of responsible AI, data governance, cybersecurity, and organizational change considerations associated with enterprise AI adoption. Continuous-improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma experience. Leadership Capabilities Enterprise and systems thinking Operational and execution discipline Strategic technology partnership AI strategy and responsible adoption leadership Product-development process knowledge Cross-functional influence and change leadership Sound technical and business judgment Customer and production focus Talent development and clear executive communication Commitment to quality and continuous improvement Measures of Success Improved accuracy, quality, and consistency of engineering releases and documentation. Reliable, validated vehicle configurations and specifications. Effective engineering-system infrastructure supported by a clear Engineering-to-IT demand portfolio and aligned roadmaps. An actionable Engineering & Technology AI strategy aligned with DTG and DTNA direction, with a prioritized portfolio of responsible, value-focused use cases. Measurable adoption and business value from AI-enabled engineering capabilities. Timely resolution of production and TEM engineering issues. Reduced rework caused by documentation, configuration, drawing, part, or process errors. Stronger alignment among Product Engineering, Production, IT, Data and AI teams, Sales, Service, and other partners. This role is not 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.