Supply Base Development Engineer

Tasks

Inside the Role

The Supply Base Development Engineer will work with Procurement, Supplier Management, Supply Chain Operations, and Planning to identify gaps in the supply base. Working closely with Product Strategy and Engineering Platform Management, they will understand the future of our product offerings. They will evaluate the capabilities of current suppliers against the strategic objectives of the business. The Supply Base Development Engineer will identify, vet, and develop new suppliers for DTNA. These activities will result in higher performance in supplier delivery, supplier quality, and lowest Total Supplier Driven Cost.

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

Position offers a starting salary range of $104,000.00 to $133,000.00 USD.

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits include annual bonus program, 401k company contribution with company match up to 6%, as well as non-elective company contribution of 3% to 7% depending on age. Starting at 4 weeks paid vacation, 13+ calendar holidays, 8 weeks paid parental leave, employee assistance program, comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs, onsite fitness (at some locations), tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off, and short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

• Partner with Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to anticipate and identify gaps in the supply base. Work ahead of quoting and awards to develop and ensure quality suppliers, capable of production at the OEM level.

• Utilize process engineering and DTAG Production skills through collaborative work with suppliers’ teams and Manufacturing Engineering, to ensure design and implementation of optimal manufacturing processes.

• Develop our supplier base to ensure best overall cost, quality, manufacturability, and operational self-reliance.

• Develop, execute, and modify project strategies for critical parts, based on risk ranking activities.

• Work with suppliers to develop appropriate project schedules to achieve vehicle milestone objectives and KPIs.

• Lead suppliers in problem-solving and consensus-building to mitigate risks.

• Establish manufacturing processes to include critical characteristics and parameter controls across a broad spectrum of inputs (tooling, equipment, process capacity, capability, quality, throughput, and human development). Collaborate with Product Strategy and Operations Planning on the Long Range Production Plan and the capability of current suppliers to meet volume and mix. Grow and develop a team of experts on DTNA Book of Business requirements, manufacturing processes, and supplier quality.

• Actively lead, exhibit, and coach to the Daimler Great Leadership Behaviors.

• Understand the DTNA Product Roadmap, PAR initiatives, and trends in the global supply base. Derive action plans and options to meet business requirements with the current supply base, or identify new suppliers.

• Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers. Perform surveillance and diagnostic audits on incumbent suppliers.

• Industrialize new materials and/or processes by collaborating with suppliers to implement the required capital improvements and developing their capability to scale up these new technologies.

• Collaborate with Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.

• Grow and maintain global relationships to leverage expertise and evaluate potentials for shared suppliers.

• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction, and integrity.

• Drive for results and customer satisfaction by collaborating with teams, leading projects, and continuously driving improvement in the supply base.

• Maintain and communicate responsible status information supporting project KPI visualization, both internally and externally.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or similar technical field.

• 4+ years of supplier management, procurement, supply chain, or changeover experience.

• 4+ years of supplier quality experience. Quality system audit, PPAP, root cause and corrective actions at the supplier, Statistical Process Control, and capacity management verification by run at rate.

• Process knowledge and tooling: die and sand cast, forgings, stamping, welding, injection mold, machining, heat treatment, electronics soldering, sewing, cab and chassis components, and mechatronics.

• Materials involved: aluminum, iron, steel, resins, paint, rubber.

• Expertise in reading drawings/prints, including the ability to discuss Basic GD&T.

• Expertise in the DTNA Book of Business and Supplier Requirements, CVDS.

• Negotiation skills, structured problem-solving, and project management experience.

• Manufacturing, quality, or engineering experience developing one or more of the following commodities/products:

- Interior components: trim, console box, fuel tank, HVAC.

- Exterior components: grills, bumpers, outer mirrors, door handles, glass.

- Electrical/Electronics: audio, multimedia, ECUs, battery, hybrid systems.

- Chassis components: steering, suspension, brakes, driveline.

- Powertrain: engine, axle, transmission, battery.

- Body and assembly: frame, body, structural, seats, headliners, door trim.

• Capabilities with MS365.

• Executive presentation skills.

• Ability to travel up to 50%, including international travel.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Master’s Degree.

• International experience.

• New model production preparation.

• Managing multiple tier 1 supplier production preparation.

• Establishment of manufacturing process including key characteristics, tooling, and equipment.

• Experience in design feedback.

• Fluent in Spanish and English.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s): Fort Mill, SC 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.

Qualifications

Please see above for qualification details.