Materials and Welding Engineer II

About the Role

The Material and Process Technology (MPT) department at DTNA is seeking a Materials Engineer to push the boundaries of materials and chemistry, redefining what is possible. This role provides material and process analysis expertise throughout the product lifecycle of traditional and advanced drivetrain components, as well as welding and joining support. The MPT Materials Engineer collaborates closely with internal partners such as Research and Development, Quality Management, Production, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supplier Management. The role adds value from ideation through end of life, ensuring Daimler Truck fulfills its mission to keep the world moving.

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) Detroit, MI, US. Relocation assistance is not available. The role is onsite.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging technological developments in materials, materials characterization, and material processing (including welding and joining).
• Provide material and materials process expertise to solve materials process development, component development, and reliability concerns for internal and external partners.
• Demonstrate expertise in standard materials laboratory practices such as sample preparation, metallography, materials characterization, and mechanical property testing.
• Perform failure analysis investigations to support internal and external partners.
• Perform material process analyses (e.g., material joining, heat treatment, casting, forging) to ensure adherence to internal and external standards or solve development/reliability concerns.
• Interpret material specifications and requirements for Daimler Truck powertrain components.
• Identify opportunities and drive improvements for internal and external partners.
• Foster global collaboration and knowledge sharing across regions and business units.
• Recognize and effectively collaborate within a culturally diverse global environment.
• Communicate detailed technical facts and concepts through written and verbal communication with global internal and external partners.
• Serve as Laser Safety Officer for a 3-million sq. ft. heavy-duty automotive machining and assembly facility.
• Provide weld quality and welding process support for in-house processes, including electron beam, laser, and manual welding operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science Engineering or a related field with 2–4 years of relevant experience.
• Thorough understanding of welding, joining, and non-destructive testing techniques.
• LSO Certification for Laser Safety or ability to become certified.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with ferrous, copper, or aluminum alloys and their processing techniques.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with Scanning Electron Microscopy or other advanced microscopy techniques.
• Minimum 1 year of experience using Optical Microscopy.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in Non-Destructive Testing techniques (MPI, dye penetrant, radiography, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of 8D, Shainin Red X, or other advanced problem-solving techniques.
• Experience with AWS and ISO Joining specifications.
• Ability to recognize cultural differences and collaborate effectively in a global environment.
• Proficiency in German or Spanish.
• Familiarity with automotive PPAP.
• Ability to provide cross-functional leadership across diverse teams.
• Experience with failure analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated supplier development experience.
• Experience with stainless steels.
• Experience with Electron Beam and Laser welding equipment and techniques.

Benefits

• Annual bonus program.
• 401k company contribution with company match up to 6%, plus non-elective company contribution of 3–7% depending on age.
• Starting at 4 weeks of paid vacation.
• 13+ calendar holidays.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs.
• Onsite fitness facilities (at some locations).
• Tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off.
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.

Pay

Starting salary range of $90,000 – $115,000 USD, dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.