Transportation Design Intern

Inside the Role

Interns will gain knowledge and experience through exciting and real-life learning opportunities. Interns must work in accordance with DTNA’s core values of passion, respect, integrity and discipline. Internship positions can be located at various DTNA locations across the US. We are looking for high performing and motivated individuals in various areas within DTNA organizations. DTNA internships begin each summer in May or June.

The Design Center team is a collaborative, cross-functional group consisting of senior designers, a visualization and AI specialist, and a concept modeler with automotive design expertise. The broader department includes teams focused on digital surfacing (CAD), physical modeling, prototyping, and UI/UX design.
Interns are integrated into the full design process, working on projects developed from briefs provided by senior designers and management. Responsibilities include research, trend analysis, mood boards, persona development, sketch ideation, digital renderings, and concept development. Projects evolve through multiple rounds of feedback before being presented as final renderings or concept models.

Interns also support active production programs, participate in weekly design critiques, and are expected to both receive and provide constructive feedback. The role offers exposure to real-world vehicle design programs while developing strong collaboration, communication, and design skills.

Interns in this role may have the opportunity to transition into a full-time position subject to manager evaluations and business availability.

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

Salary placement is determined by your anticipated graduation year and ranges between $21 - $29 per hour.

Benefits include:

• Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews/mock interviews
• Housing and transportation stipend
• Employee resource groups
• Event ticket offering (based on corporate availability)
• Company social events

What You Drive at DTNA

• Help drive innovation by turning research and insights into meaningful design solutions.
• Contribute to concept development and, when applicable, production-focused design projects.
• Balance creativity with customer needs, quality, reliability, and business requirements.
• Typical responsibilities include:
  • Conducting research
  • Developing mood boards and design narratives
  • Creating sketches and renderings
  • Building visual presentations
  • Supporting concept model development
• Work closely with experienced designers and cross-functional teams.
• Gain hands-on experience throughout the complete design process, from early ideation to final execution.
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where everyone belongs

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program or higher with degree in Transportation design from an accredited college/university OR have recently graduated within 1 year of the position start date (May/June)
• Visualization Skills: Expert at ideation sketching and mind blowing renderings.
• Creative Thinking: A strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the design process.
• Communication: Strong verbal communication and presentation skills for reviews
• Team Player: A collaborative mindset with a passion for design.
• Software Proficiency: Skilled in Adobe Photoshop, Alias
• Design Portfolio: Attached pdf of your latest work samples or link to a website required.
• Previous automotive studio internship experience is preferred
• VRED or Unreal Engine experience preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Solid organizational skills
• Creative mindset
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment

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:

Onsite

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 to 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.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. CHANGE THE WORLD.

Are you ready to join the inspired people who are helping shape the future of commercial vehicle manufacturing? Our employees enjoy lucrative benefits, competitive salaries and the opportunity to work in jobs across many functions—mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, accounting, sales & marketing, IT and more—both within our company and in our offices around the world.