ZEV Product Strategy Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ZEV Product Strategy Intern Company: Daimler Truck AG Location: Portland, OR US Job Type: Intern, Full-Time Category: Product Strategy / Operations / Sustainability Date Posted: October 5, 2025 Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) product strategy within the commercial vehicle market, offering hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving industry.
• The role involves supporting ongoing ZEV projects, conducting competitive analysis, and contributing to the development of new tools for product strategy teams.
• Key responsibilities include project management support, ownership of sub-projects, and facilitating team meetings to drive progress and decision-making.
• Candidates will engage in feasibility studies, business case development for new product offerings, and contribute to roadmapping and prioritization activities.
• The position emphasizes fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture, aligning with Daimler Truck's core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as an internship, providing foundational experience in product strategy and operations within the automotive sector, specifically focusing on ZEVs. The emphasis on project management, data analysis, and strategic thinking aligns with entry-level operations and strategy roles, offering a pathway for further development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support ongoing ZEV product projects by assisting project leads with timeline management, budget tracking, technical concept development, and governance model implementation, ensuring progress towards quality gates and milestones.
• Lead specifically assigned sub-projects, taking ownership of smaller assignments such as in-depth analyses of open questions or customer requests. This includes assessing problems, creating solution plans, executing them, and presenting findings to executive management.
• Facilitate project and team meetings to enhance collaboration, drive conversations, support decision-making, track action items, and ensure accountability among team members.
• Design and propose new tools and approaches for the ZEV Strategy team, potentially including new software solutions for data analysis or financial evaluations, to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support project roadmapping and prioritization activities for all ZEV project proposals by conducting feasibility studies for new product offerings, developing business case outlines, and generating implementation recommendations.
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where all team members feel a sense of belonging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to provide a comprehensive intern experience, moving from support to ownership of specific tasks and sub-projects. This progression is typical for internships aiming to develop future talent within product strategy and operations, with a clear focus on project execution and strategic contribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program or higher from an accredited college/university, or have graduated within one year of the position's start date (e.g., May/June graduate).

Experience:

• While specific prior professional experience is not explicitly required for an internship, demonstrated project work, academic achievements, or relevant extracurricular activities will be considered. The role is designed to build foundational experience in product strategy and project management.

Required Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, essential for clear articulation of ideas and project updates.
• Solid organizational skills, crucial for managing multiple tasks, timelines, and project documentation.
• Creative mindset, needed to develop innovative solutions and new approaches for team tools and problem-solving.
• Interpersonal skills, vital for effective collaboration within a team environment and with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, contributing to collective goals and supporting team dynamics.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to support feasibility studies and business case development.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools, aiding in the support of ongoing ZEV projects.
• An understanding of sustainability principles and the growing importance of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) in the commercial transportation sector.
• Customer-oriented problem-solving approach, to effectively address customer requests and market needs.
• Awareness of competitive landscapes and market trends within the automotive or commercial vehicle industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Knowledge You Should Bring" section in the original description has been interpreted and expanded into "Required" and "Preferred" skills. The educational requirement explicitly states current enrollment or recent graduation, aligning with typical internship profiles. The emphasis on communication, organization, and teamwork are core competencies for any operations or strategy role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Documentation: Examples of academic or personal projects demonstrating structured planning, execution, and outcome reporting, particularly those involving problem-solving or strategic analysis.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Showcase of analytical skills through projects that involve data gathering, interpretation, and the derivation of actionable insights, even if using academic datasets.
• Process Improvement Concepts: Any work that illustrates an understanding of how to streamline processes, improve efficiency, or develop new methodologies, even in a conceptual or academic context.
• Presentation Materials: Samples of presentations or reports that effectively communicate complex information, strategic recommendations, or project outcomes to an audience.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation isn't expected for an intern, candidates should demonstrate an understanding of project lifecycle management, from initial ideation and feasibility to execution and reporting.
• Ability to document findings, action items, and recommendations clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the "portfolio" is less about formal deliverables and more about demonstrating potential and foundational skills. The focus is on academic projects, conceptual understanding of process, and the ability to communicate findings, rather than extensive professional case studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21 - $30 per hour. Salary placement will be determined by the candidate's anticipated graduation year.

Benefits:

• Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews and mock interviews to support career growth.
• Housing and transportation stipend to assist with relocation and living expenses in Portland, OR.
• Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for networking, support, and cultural engagement.
• Event ticket offerings based on corporate availability, providing opportunities for entertainment and company engagement.
• Company social events designed to foster team cohesion and build relationships.

Working Hours:

• This is a hybrid position, typically requiring 4 days per week in the office and 1 day remote. The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, aligning with full-time internship expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined and tied to the intern's academic progression. The benefits package is comprehensive for an internship, offering practical support (stipends) alongside professional development and cultural integration opportunities. The hybrid work schedule is specified with a clear breakdown of in-office vs. remote days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing (Commercial Vehicles), focusing on Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) and future mobility solutions. Company Size: Daimler Truck AG is a global leader in the commercial vehicle industry, with a significant workforce. While the specific intern team size isn't detailed, the parent company's scale implies robust infrastructure and resources. Founded: Daimler AG (predecessor to Daimler Truck AG) has a long history of innovation in the automotive sector, dating back to the late 19th century. Daimler Truck AG was spun off as an independent entity in December 2021, focusing on trucks and buses.

Team Structure:

• The eMobility Product Strategy team likely consists of product strategists, project managers, market analysts, and engineers focused on ZEV development.
• The intern will report to a Project Lead or Manager within this team, with opportunities to collaborate across various departments involved in product development, engineering, and market analysis.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving interactions with engineering, sales, marketing, and potentially finance teams to ensure comprehensive product strategy development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Analysis: The team relies on data to assess market trends, competitor strategies, and customer needs to inform product decisions.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on systematic project management and process improvements to ensure efficient development and deployment of ZEV products.
• Automation & Efficiency: Exploration and implementation of new tools and software to enhance data analysis, financial evaluations, and overall team productivity.

Company Website: https://www.daimlertruck.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as valuing passion, respect, integrity, and discipline. The eMobility team's operational methodology is inferred to be data-driven, process-oriented, and focused on efficiency, which is typical for strategic product development within a large, established automotive manufacturer.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed for students or recent graduates to gain foundational experience in product strategy, project management, and the ZEV market. It serves as an initial step in a potential career within operations, product development, or strategy at Daimler Truck. Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a Project Lead or Manager within the eMobility Product Strategy team. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance. Operations Impact: Interns contribute to real-world projects that shape the future of commercial vehicles, specifically focusing on sustainability and ZEV adoption. Their insights and support on feasibility studies, business cases, and project roadmapping can directly influence strategic decisions and product development pipelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Development: Gain practical experience in project management, data analysis, market research, and strategic planning within the automotive industry.
• Industry Exposure: Deepen understanding of the ZEV market, including competitive landscapes, technological advancements, regulatory impacts, and customer adoption trends.
• Networking: Build professional connections with experienced individuals in product strategy, engineering, and management at a global automotive leader.
• Potential Full-Time Transition: Opportunity to transition into a full-time position based on performance evaluations and business needs, offering a clear career path within Daimler Truck.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis highlights the developmental nature of the internship. It emphasizes skill acquisition, industry immersion, and the potential for continued employment, positioning the role as a strategic entry point into the operations and product strategy fields within the automotive sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring 4 days per week in the office and 1 day remote. This setup is designed to foster in-person collaboration while allowing for some flexibility. Office Location(s): Portland, OR (specific office address: Portland TEC (Corp 1) - DTNA). Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team meetings suggest a workspace that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and shared problem-solving.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Interns will likely have access to standard office technology and potentially specialized software for data analysis, project management, and ZEV-related modeling, depending on team resources.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the eMobility Product Strategy team, project leads, and potentially other interns through structured events and daily work.

Work Schedule: Hybrid schedule (4 days office, 1 day remote). The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, with flexibility expected to manage project timelines and meeting schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the hybrid nature and the company's intentional design for collaboration (#OneTeamBestTeam culture). This context is important for operations professionals who often thrive in environments that balance focused work with team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials (resume, cover letter if applicable) to assess qualifications against internship requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Likely a discussion about the candidate's background, motivations for applying, understanding of ZEVs, and general fit with the team. This may include behavioral questions.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): For roles involving analysis or strategy, a hypothetical scenario or small project may be assigned to assess problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills.
• Team/Panel Interview: Interaction with potential team members or other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects (academic, personal, volunteer) that demonstrate analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, organizational capabilities, and any exposure to automotive, sustainability, or strategy concepts.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "analyzed data from X sources," "contributed to a project that improved Y by Z%").
• Showcase Process: For project examples, briefly explain your role, the challenges faced, the steps you took (your process), and the outcome or learnings.
• Presentation Clarity: Be prepared to verbally walk through a key project from your portfolio, explaining your thought process and contributions clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• ZEV Market Awareness: Research current trends, key players, and challenges in the Zero Emission Vehicle market, especially within commercial transportation.
• Company Research: Understand Daimler Truck AG's mission, values, and its strategic direction in eMobility.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice thinking through hypothetical business problems, breaking them down, and proposing structured solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on typical internship hiring practices for strategy and product roles. The portfolio advice is tailored to an intern level, emphasizing academic and demonstrable skills rather than extensive professional experience. Preparation tips focus on industry knowledge and core competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for tracking project timelines, tasks, and progress.
• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) for document creation, data analysis, and team communication.
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering presentations to stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis functions) are crucial for financial evaluations and data manipulation.
• Data Visualization Tools (Potential): Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel charting capabilities could be beneficial for presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus for this intern role, exposure to CRM concepts or basic automation principles could be advantageous, particularly if projects involve customer data or process optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for strategy and project management roles, with a focus on data analysis and collaboration. The emphasis on Excel is common for roles involving financial evaluations and data manipulation. Specific ZEV modeling or simulation software might be used by the team, but general proficiency in analytical tools is the core expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: Demonstrated enthusiasm for sustainability, ZEV technology, and contributing to the future of transportation.
• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel heard and appreciated.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all work, data analysis, and stakeholder interactions.
• Discipline: A commitment to rigorous analysis, structured project execution, and meeting deadlines.
• Data-Driven Approach: A reliance on data and evidence to inform decisions and strategy development.
• Efficiency & Optimization: A focus on improving processes, finding better ways to work, and maximizing resource utilization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with various departments to gather information, provide insights, and ensure alignment on ZEV product strategies.
• Open Communication: Encouraging candid discussions, sharing of ideas, and constructive feedback to drive innovation and problem-solving.
• Team-Oriented: A strong emphasis on collective achievement, mutual support, and shared responsibility for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture aligns with Daimler Truck's stated core values. The operational aspect emphasizes a systematic, data-informed, and collaborative approach to strategy and project execution, which is critical for operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Dynamic Market: The ZEV market is rapidly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and competitor strategies emerging frequently. Staying abreast of these changes requires continuous learning.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders across different departments (engineering, sales, marketing, etc.) are aligned on ZEV product strategy can be complex.
• Data Complexity: Gathering, cleaning, and analyzing data from various sources to support strategic decisions can be challenging, especially with incomplete or disparate information.
• Project Scope Management: Effectively managing assigned sub-projects within defined timelines and resource constraints requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• ZEV Market Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of electric vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, battery technology, and the specific needs of the commercial vehicle sector.
• Strategic Analysis Skills: Develop and refine skills in market research, competitive analysis, financial modeling, and business case development.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Learn and apply project management principles for planning, execution, and stakeholder communication.
• Industry Exposure: Understand the operational challenges and strategic considerations for a major automotive manufacturer transitioning to ZEVs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed in the context of the ZEV industry and the nature of strategic product development, offering opportunities for interns to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are directly tied to the role's responsibilities and the industry's landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach analyzing the competitive landscape for electric commercial vehicles in North America?" (Focus on methodology, data sources, key metrics).
• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Highlight organizational skills, time management, and prioritization framework).
• "Imagine we are considering a new ZEV product. What key factors would you research to determine its feasibility and potential market success?" (Demonstrate understanding of market analysis, customer needs, regulatory impact, and financial viability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Daimler Truck AG and specifically our eMobility Product Strategy team?" (Showcase company research and genuine interest in ZEVs and the automotive industry).
• "How do you contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment?" (Refer to personal experiences or values related to teamwork and respect).
• "How do you stay updated on industry trends, particularly in sustainability and automotive technology?" (Demonstrate proactive learning and passion for the field).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 1-2 Strong Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills relevant to strategy or project management.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the challenges, your approach/process, the outcome, and key learnings.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to illustrate the results or impact of your work.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, methodologies, and how you would apply similar skills to the internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and strategies are designed to assess a candidate's analytical thinking, problem-solving approach, communication abilities, and cultural fit, which are crucial for any operations or strategy-oriented role, especially at the intern level.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused ZEV Product Strategy Internship:

• Submit your application through the Daimler Truck North America careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any experience demonstrating communication, organization, analytical thinking, and teamwork. Use keywords like "ZEV," "product strategy," "project management," "data analysis," and "sustainability."
• Prepare Your Portfolio (Conceptual): Identify 1-2 key academic projects or experiences that showcase your ability to analyze problems, propose solutions, and communicate findings. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
• Research Daimler Truck & ZEVs: Understand the company's mission, its commitment to eMobility, and current trends in the ZEV commercial vehicle market.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions, focusing on how you would approach tasks related to project support, data analysis, and team collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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