Project Manager - Axle/Transmission Powertrain Platform Management

Posted:
6/11/2026, 1:12:33 AM

Location(s):
Detroit, Michigan, United States ⋅ Michigan, United States

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Business & Strategy

Inside the Role

Powertrain Platform Management North America is responsible for Detroit Powertrain Products from conception to end of production (EOP). We are the Powertrain strategy lead for North America (Voice of the Region) and DTNA interface with a symbiotic relationship in support of DTNA Market dominance.
The Project Manager for our Axle / Transmission team will lead a diverse Cross Functional Team (CFT) in a Project and/or Series Management environment. Our Project/Series Manager will work closely with colleagues in Detroit, Germany & Portland to ensure successful implementations for the North American markets.

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

• Typically requires a Bachelors Degree • Typically requires 5-7 years of relevant experience or 8 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree • Requires specialized knowledge of own field and deep experience integrating related field knowledge into work • Leads department or cross-functional programs of notable risk, resource requirements and/or complexity • Uses sophisticated analytical thought to solve highly complex problems and identify innovate solutions • Serves as a guide for others in area of expertise • Acts as an advisor to management and key external stakeholders on broad ranging projects • Uses experience to contribute to standards in which others will operate

In a Project environment:

  • Ensures the overall accomplishment of program deliverables from project approval (QG9) to SoP (QG2).
  • Close alignment and coordination with all functional areas - from R&D to Aftersales and everyone in between.
  • Works closely with global counterparts to support the overall project objectives and timeline.  Including but not limited to the following:
    • Project Tracking – Track milestones and insure timely implementation of deliverables.
    • Organize tasks for team members and provide feedback from other shareholder groups.
    • Track CVDS gate requirements, organize and collect crucial project information and data from teams to be presented in the gate reviews.
    • Track project budget and provide status updates during financial planning (EA, OP).
    • Project Communication - Facilitate the flow of project information to/from different departments and functional areas.
    • Project Reporting - Prepare and present project status reports to management committees (DPPC, GPC)
    • Identify and resolve barriers to the efficient execution of projects and act as intermediary between various cross-functional units.
    • Act as the primary Detroit project interface to global counterparts and Portland colleagues.

In a Series Production environment:

In addition to many of the tasks above…

  • Ensure Production change measures are steered through Initiation, Evaluation and Implementation with focus on Business Case development and USMCA compliance.
  • Ensure the Implementation of each measure with no/minimal disruption to our Production.
  • Prioritize cost down, USMCA compliance, tariff mitigation and Quality improvement measures in daily work.  

Every day:

  • Identify / implement KPI driven process and continuous improvement.
  • Identify / implement Simpler, Faster, Stronger process improvements within the team and department. 

Knowledge You Should Bring

Education and Experience:

  • BS/BA with 5-7 years of relevant experience or 8+ years of experience in lieu of degree
  • Axle and Transmission product knowledge and production experience. 
  • Ability to steer a multi-functional team toward specific Series Management and Project targets.
  • Ability to think and drive results strategically with the mission of Powertrain Platform Management and key initiatives in mind.
  • Working knowledge of our Global Module Team, Local Module Team and RIT (Regional Implementation Team) change management structure, processes and tools (ICM, Grafana, Rabit, PowerBI).
  • Working knowledge of basic project management concepts including CVDS, CPlace and Quality Gate deliverables
  • Experience collaborating with Global colleagues and representing the needs and targets of our customers.
  • Proven record of being well organized, able to handle multiple, detailed tasks in parallel and work professionally with cross functional teams, ability to effectively assess the level of data required in various settings to achieve specific targets and/or decisions.
  • Skills to effectively work on collaborative teams and demonstrate initiative, problem solving and analytical thought with minimal guidance.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

  • Prior experience in manufacturing environment is preferred

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

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 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.