Project Controller

Inside the Role

The Project Controlling team is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven Project Controller who is passionate about our product portfolio and eager to help shape the future of DTNA’s products. Project Controllers act as the CFOs of new product projects - driving decisions independently and owning all financial topics throughout the project lifecycle. Our team operates in an environment of genuine trust, inclusivity, and belonging, and we strive to create a welcoming, supportive workplace for all.

This role is highly cross functional and requires the ability to deliver relevant, timely, and accurate financial analyses that support key business decisions. The Project Controller collaborates closely with partners across Engineering, Product Strategy, Cost Engineering, Purchasing, Strategic Pricing, Global Project Controlling, and the Truck Technology (TT) Group.

The Project Controlling team supports the full range of new truck product programs across the Freightliner and Western Star platforms. We are deeply committed to process improvement and digitalization, and we’re looking for a candidate who shares that passion. The ideal candidate brings curiosity, initiative, and a drive to advance our digital transformation journey. We will provide training and development opportunities to support this growth.

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

• Own full project controller responsibility for large category 1 product projects across heavy duty, vocational and medium-duty segments; act as main finance finance business partner throughout the project lifecycle

• Report project profitability (Contribution Margin, DCVA, Payback) and key financial KPIs (price, cost, volume, funding) to project teams and senior executives. Communicate insights clearly, simplify complex financials, and confidently present recommendations to support timely, high‑quality decision‑making.

•  Define and document project budget and cost targets with Engineering, Purchasing, and Cost Engineering; drive cross‑functional alignment and executive “handshake” agreements.

• Monitor and report funding actuals using CBFC and BEAM (PowerApps); track budgets, analyze variances, and align estimates with periodic planning cycles.

• Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, and Cost Engineering to update expected part costs for each quality gate using TRACK, DB2/Mainframe data, ProQ, and related systems; provide cost guidance and transparency.

• Prepare project financial presentations and management briefings for PSC, Product Committee, Daimler Truck BOM; support Pricing and Supplier Award decisions in Pricing Committee and Purchasing Steering Committee.

• Forecast project profitability for each planning period and manage the financial handover at SOP, including comparison of assumptions to actual production results.

• Create internal orders in CBFC (SAP), approve project purchase requisitions, and support CFO-level approval processes.

• Active participation in methods discussions and cross-functional and global alignments to ensure continuity in controlling processes.

• Actively drive continuous improvement, digitalization, and rollout of BEAM and TRACK (internal PowerApps solutions).

• Identify financial risks and opportunities and provide scenario‑based guidance to project leadership.

• Provide financial analysis, business case support, and recommendations for broader DTNA business segments and initiatives like complexity reduction and USMCA forecast.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years relevant experience, OR a Master’s with 3+ years of relevant experience.

• 3 years of proven financial modeling experience, including forecasting, sensitivities, and scenario analysis.

• Strong passion for DTNA products, technologies, and customer impact.

• A personal understanding and strong commitment to Inclusion and Belonging.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight timelines.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Experience collaborating cross‑functionally and cross‑culturally, including with global teams.

• Passion to drive process optimization and learning new tools and systems

• Strong prioritization, organization, data reconciliation, process and system skills

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Background in Finance, Controlling, Cost Engineering, Program Management, or Purchasing.

• Passion for digital transformation and hands‑on experience with tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Alteryx, or PowerApps (training available).

• Familiarity with Daimler Trucks’ CVDS process and Quality Gates

• Working knowledge of SAP/CBFC, IMS Mainframe and ProQ

Where We Work

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

Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

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.