Validation Engineering Intern

About the Role

Daimler Truck North America's Product Validation Engineering's Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI) group validates vehicle performance across thermal systems, environmental exposure, full-vehicle operation, and powertrain integration. This internship provides hands-on experience in vehicle testing and data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Own summer test requests, including planning, coordination, and report-out.
• Support on-site testing activities at remote locations in high ambient temperature and high-altitude conditions.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Support vehicle-level thermodynamics and performance testing, including cooling, aftertreatment systems, air systems, and environmental exposure.
• Assist with planning and execution of Summer Test activities, including vehicle instrumentation, test setup, and daily test support.
• Help set up, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Collect, process, and review vehicle test data; support root cause analysis of thermal or performance issues.
• Work closely with Design Engineering, Powertrain, and other PVE teams.
• Document test results and contribute to summaries, reports, and technical discussions.
• Support continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and procedures.
• Participate in a collaborative, hands-on test environment with on-vehicle work.
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program or higher from an accredited college/university OR recently graduated within 1 year of the position start date (May/June).
• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong interest in vehicle performance, thermodynamics, and hands-on testing.
• Ability to work in outdoor, lab, and vehicle test environments.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and structured problem solving.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel in support of Summer Test activities.
• Junior or Senior standing in the upcoming academic term preferred.
• Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or powertrain systems preferred.
• Exposure to vehicle testing, instrumentation, or data acquisition (e.g., CANape or similar) preferred.
• Experience with data analysis using engineering tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar preferred.
• Experience working in team-based engineering environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills.
• Creative mindset.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Location

• Portland, OR US.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Hybrid schedule (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote).

Internship Benefits

• Professional development and networking events.
• Housing and transportation stipend.
• Employee resource groups.
• Event ticket offering.
• Company social events.

Additional Information

• Salary placement based on anticipated graduation year: $21 - $29 per hour.
• Internship start date: May or June.
• Position is not open to Visa sponsorship or existing Visa holders.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the US.
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check and may be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen.