Vehicle Thermal Integration – Validation Engineering Intern

Daimler Truck North America

. Support vehicle-level thermodynamics and performance testing, including cooling, aftertreatment systems, air systems, and environmental exposure .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timePortland • Oregon • United StatesEntry Level💰 $21 - $29 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong analytical skills and attention to detail in vehicle performance testing, thermodynamics, and data analysis using tools like Python and MATLAB. Capable of effective communication and collaboration within team-based engineering environments while supporting hands-on testing activities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical EngineeringVehicle Performance TestingData Analysis Using PythonInstrumentation And Data AcquisitionThermodynamics And Heat Transfer

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Vehicle Performance TestingThermodynamicsData Analysis Using PythonData Acquisition SystemsCooling SystemsAftertreatment SystemsHeat TransferTest Method ImprovementRoot Cause AnalysisTest Data Processing

Soft Skills

Clear Written CommunicationVerbal Communication SkillsAttention To DetailInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

CANapeMATLABData Acquisition SystemsVehicle Instrumentation

Industry Keywords

Mechanical EngineeringProduct Validation EngineeringHigh Ambient Temperature TestingHigh-Altitude TestingCollaborative Test Environment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 Product Validation Engineering teams to align testing with design intent
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
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 to ensure accurate validation of vehicle performance
Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where everyone belongs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program or higher from an accredited college/university OR have 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
Exposure to vehicle testing, instrumentation, or data acquisition (e.g., CANape or similar)
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
Junior or Senior standing in the upcoming academic term preferred
Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or powertrain systems preferred
Experience with data analysis using engineering tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar preferred
Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States at the time of application
This position is not open to Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews/mock interviews
Housing and transportation stipend
Employee resource groups
Event ticket offering (based on corporate availability)
Company social events
Relocation assistance when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria
Potential transition into a full-time position subject to manager evaluations and business availability