Operations Readiness Project Engineer III for Digitalization, Operational Technology & Equipment Readiness

Inside the Role
The Operations Readiness Technical & Digital Implementation Manager leads operational readiness, commissioning, start-up execution, project engineering integration, and adoption of digital solutions, operational technologies, new equipment, and new product introductions. The position serves as the operational authority and cross-functional integrator between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, TechLab, IT, Supply Chain, suppliers, contractors, and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery, operational handover, equipment readiness, and business value realization.

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

What You Drive at DTNA

- Lead deployment and adoption of digital manufacturing, maintenance, reliability, and operational technology solutions.
- Act as technical advisor to and liaison between Tech Lab, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Quality, Operations and Supply Chain.
- Lead readiness planning for capital projects, new equipment installations, infrastructure upgrades, and product launches.
- Coordinate pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, validation, performance testing, and operational handover activities.
- Develop and maintain commissioning schedules, readiness plans, commissioning manuals, and start-up execution strategies.
- Develop pre-commissioning and commissioning test procedures, checklists, turnover packages, and documentation.
- Coordinate suppliers, contractors, third-party service providers, and internal stakeholders during project execution.
- Monitor project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and performance metrics; identify and resolve issues that could impact start-up success.
- Prepare project controls, technical specifications, RFQs, capital estimates, budgets, forecasts, and implementation plans.
- Spare parts floating support and use of mechanical, electrical drawings to assist with trouble shooting and design review
- Participate in engineering design reviews to ensure maintainability, reliability, safety, operability, operational efficiency, and lifecycle cost optimization.
- Support equipment supplier selection, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), installation, testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities for new equipment and systems.
- Develop reporting structures, (digital) readiness dashboards, KPI scorecards, and executive project status reports.
- Interpret equipment and production data to identify upgrade needs, cycle-time improvements, and engineered countermeasures that improve uptime, reliability, and safety
- Drive root cause analysis, troubleshooting, deficiency resolution, and reliability improvements during start-up and ramp-up.
- Develop comprehensive safety, quality, environmental, and operational readiness plans, leveraging digital solutions to monitor and improve OEE, MTBF, MTTR, asset availability, PM compliance, safety, quality, and digital adoption metrics.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and acceptance criteria such as technical documentation, operating procedures and training material.
- Coordinate approvals, inspections, sign-offs, turnover documentation, and final project acceptance.
- Identify, secure, and coordinate resources required to complete projects successfully.
- Act as advisor to leadership and project stakeholders on operational readiness, commissioning, project engineering, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Lead change management, training, and capability-building activities to accelerate operational adoption.

Knowledge You Should Bring

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related technical field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, engineering, project execution, commissioning, start-up, reliability, maintenance, or digital transformation.
- Demonstrated experience supporting capital projects, equipment installation, commissioning, start-up, and operational handover.
- 2+ years of experience developing project schedules, budgets, forecasts, specifications, and project controls.
- 2+ years of experience with industrial mechanical systems, maintenance practices, reliability principles, and operational technology systems.
- Strong analytical thinking and ability to independently solve complex technical and operational issues with minimal guidance.
- Experience with CMMS/EAM systems, industrial technologies, and business intelligence tools.
- Proficiency in Power BI, Power Apps, Tableau, or equivalent analytics and visualization tools
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, project management, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects and workstreams simultaneously.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

- Experience leading commissioning teams, start-up execution, and large-scale manufacturing or industrial projects.

- Experience preparing commissioning manuals, turnover packages, and acceptance documentation.

- Knowledge of project management methodologies, risk management, and capital project delivery processes.

- Experience working with external contractors, suppliers, engineering firms, and regulatory agencies.

- Experience developing digital manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement solutions.

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

- Visa sponsorship will only be open to current Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa
- All other 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.