Praktikum - Product Strategy & Platform-Mgt. MB Trucks – Diesel & Hydrogen ab November 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Praktikum - Product Strategy & Platform-Mgt. MB Trucks – Diesel & Hydrogen ab November 2026

Company: Daimler Truck

Location: Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Internship

Category: Product Strategy & Platform Management (Operations Focus)

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Product Strategy and Platform Management team in defining and planning the global Mercedes-Benz Trucks propulsion portfolio for diesel and hydrogen technologies.

• Analyze market requirements and regulatory frameworks across various regions and industries to integrate them into a market-ready and future-proof product strategy.

• Act as a central interface between markets, legal, development, production, and controlling to consolidate requirements and prepare recommendations for decision-making bodies.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of AI-driven workflows and processes within product strategy and platform management, focusing on efficiency gains and digital transformation.

• Gain hands-on experience in the early stages of product projects, from initiation to concept decision, within a leading global automotive company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an internship focused on product strategy and platform management within the automotive sector, specifically for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it involves critical GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy elements, market analysis, cross-functional coordination, and the integration of new technologies (hydrogen, AI), which are highly relevant to operations professionals looking to broaden their strategic understanding and impact. The emphasis on process integration, requirement consolidation, and future-proofing product portfolios aligns with operational excellence principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the leadership of product projects from project initiation to concept decision, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Analyze and consolidate market requirements, regulatory specifications, and customer demands from diverse global regions and industry segments.

• Develop and integrate these requirements into a cohesive and future-oriented product portfolio strategy for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

• Facilitate communication and information flow as a key interface between various internal departments, including Sales, Legal, R&D, Production, and Finance.

• Prepare consolidated requirement documents and actionable recommendations for review and decision-making by relevant committees and stakeholders.

• Contribute to identifying and evaluating opportunities for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, to enhance efficiency and drive digital transformation within product strategy and platform management processes.

• Assist in the development and implementation of new AI-powered tools and workflows to optimize operational efficiency and decision-making.

• Participate in the continuous improvement of existing product management processes and platform strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong analytical and coordination function, crucial for any operations role. The emphasis on integrating market demands into product strategy and acting as a cross-functional liaison directly impacts GTM success and operational efficiency. The inclusion of AI integration signifies a forward-thinking approach to operations and process improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Business Administration (Wirtschaftswissenschaften), Engineering (Ingenieurwissenschaften), or a comparable field of study. Experience:

• Previous experience in product strategy, platform management, or a related field within the automotive industry is beneficial but not mandatory.

• Demonstrated interest in the automotive sector and product development processes.

• Experience with generative AI applications (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT) is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for market and requirements analysis.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise between diverse teams.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Fluency in German and English (written and spoken).

• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a dynamic corporate environment. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) concepts.

• Basic understanding of diesel and hydrogen powertrain technologies.

• Experience with project management methodologies.

• Knowledge of additional languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of academic background, practical interest, and essential soft skills. For operations candidates, highlighting analytical abilities, cross-functional communication experience, and any exposure to project management or strategic planning will be highly advantageous. The specific mention of AI experience is a significant differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for an internship, candidates are encouraged to showcase projects or academic work demonstrating analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills related to product development or process improvement.

• Examples could include market analysis reports, strategic concept papers, or academic projects involving cross-functional collaboration. Process Documentation:

• Familiarity with understanding and documenting business processes, particularly in the context of product development and market integration.

• Ability to contribute to the refinement of workflows, especially those involving AI integration for efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the "portfolio" will likely be demonstrated through academic projects, case studies, or any relevant coursework that showcases analytical and strategic thinking. Operations candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach process analysis and improvement, even in theoretical contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an internship, compensation will be in line with Daimler Truck's intern salary structure for Germany. Based on industry standards for internships in the automotive sector in Baden-Württemberg, a monthly gross salary is typically offered.

• Estimated Range: €1,000 - €1,500 per month (gross).

Benefits:

• Opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of product strategy and platform management within the global automotive industry.

• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen powertrains and AI in product development.

• Integration into a dynamic, international team at a leading automotive manufacturer.

• Mentorship from experienced professionals in product management and strategy.

• Insight into the digital transformation and AI-driven process development at Daimler Truck.

• Potential for involvement in strategic decision-making processes.

• Opportunity to complete a voluntary or mandatory internship (Pflichtpraktikum). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 35-40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered within the standard workday, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical internship compensation in Germany for large industrial companies, particularly in the automotive sector. Benefits focus on learning and development opportunities crucial for early-career professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Transportation Technology. Daimler Truck is a global leader, focusing on innovation in sustainable mobility, safety, and digital solutions for commercial vehicles.

Company Size: Daimler Truck is a large, publicly traded corporation with a significant global workforce. This means a structured environment with established processes, but also ample opportunities for specialized roles and career development.

Founded: Daimler Truck was established as an independent company in December 2021, spinning off from Daimler AG. However, its roots and heritage trace back to the pioneering work of Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, signifying a long history of innovation in the automotive industry.

Team Structure:

• The Product Management Mercedes-Benz Trucks department is responsible for the global strategy, planning, and execution of all product projects and series measures.

• The "Product Strategy and Platform Management Propulsion" team within TE/LPP specifically focuses on defining the product strategy and global planning for the entire Mercedes-Benz Trucks propulsion system, encompassing diesel, fuel cell, hydrogen combustion, and battery-electric trucks.

• The intern will be part of this specialized team, working closely with product managers, strategists, and platform managers. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing market analysis, sales data, and regulatory intelligence.

• Strategic planning processes to define long-term product roadmaps and platform architectures.

• Cross-functional collaboration and integration to ensure alignment across development, production, sales, and finance.

• Increasingly, the team is adopting AI-supported methods for efficiency and enhanced analysis in product strategy and platform management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Daimler Truck's commitment to sustainability (CO2 reduction) and technological advancement (hydrogen, AI) is key. The "YOU MAKE US" slogan emphasizes employee impact. The team structure indicates a specialized focus within a large organization, offering deep dives into specific areas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship role, providing foundational exposure to product strategy and platform management within a large corporate setting. It's an entry-level opportunity to learn operational processes from a strategic perspective.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or senior team member within the "Product Strategy and Platform Management Propulsion" team. This structure allows for direct guidance and learning from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While an intern, the role contributes indirectly to operational efficiency and GTM success by supporting the strategic planning that underpins product development and market introduction. The integration of AI and analysis of market requirements directly influences future product decisions and thus long-term operational viability and competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding of product strategy, platform management, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Gain practical experience with AI tools and their application in a corporate environment.

• Industry Exposure: Immerse in the global automotive industry, specifically the commercial vehicle sector, and learn about evolving powertrains (diesel, hydrogen) and sustainability initiatives.

• Networking: Build connections with professionals across various departments within Daimler Truck, potentially leading to future internship or full-time opportunities.

• Career Path: Successful interns may be considered for further internships or entry-level positions within Daimler Truck's product management, strategy, or operations divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this internship offers a valuable perspective on how product strategy is formulated and how it directly influences the operational execution and GTM of new technologies. It's an opportunity to understand the "why" behind operational requirements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based on-site at Daimler Truck's facilities in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. This environment is typical of a large corporate R&D or administrative hub, offering professional workspaces.

Office Location(s): Fasanenweg 15-17, 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. This location is part of the Stuttgart metropolitan region, a major center for the automotive industry in Germany.

Workspace Context:

• Professional office setting with dedicated workstations.

• Access to company IT infrastructure, including MS Office and potentially internal collaboration tools.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with team members and cross-functional colleagues.

• Exposure to the operational environment of a major automotive manufacturer. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, aligning with standard business hours in Germany (CET).

• While structured, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team coordination and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a collaborative team environment where direct interaction and observation are valued. For operations roles, understanding the physical and collaborative workspace is important for assessing team dynamics and workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially followed by a brief HR screening call.

• Technical/Team Interview: An interview with members of the Product Strategy & Platform Management team. This will likely involve discussing your academic background, motivations for the role, understanding of the automotive industry, and any relevant project experience. Expect questions about your interest in diesel and hydrogen technologies, and AI.

• Case Study/Challenge (Potential): For internships, this might be a smaller task or discussion around a hypothetical market analysis or requirement consolidation scenario, rather than a full-blown case study. Focus on your thought process and how you'd approach such a problem.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a hiring manager or senior leader to assess cultural fit and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For an internship, focus on academic projects, group work, or any personal projects that demonstrate your analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills.

• Be prepared to discuss your thought process, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes.

• If you have experience with AI tools or have worked on projects involving market analysis or strategic planning, highlight these.

• Clearly articulate your interest in the automotive industry, product strategy, and the specific technologies (diesel, hydrogen, AI). Challenge Preparation:

• Research current trends in the automotive industry, particularly regarding commercial vehicles, alternative powertrains (hydrogen, electric), and sustainability goals.

• Familiarize yourself with Daimler Truck's product portfolio and their strategic direction.

• Understand the basics of product strategy and platform management.

• Consider how market requirements are translated into product features and how different stakeholders are managed.

• Think about the potential applications of AI in product strategy and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an internship will focus more on potential and foundational skills rather than extensive experience. Emphasize your learning agility, analytical capabilities, and proactive approach to understanding complex business challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint are essential for analysis, documentation, and presentations.

• Internal Daimler Truck Systems: While specific proprietary systems won't be detailed, expect to learn and use internal tools for project management, data analysis, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced functions for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.

• Potentially BI Tools: Exposure to business intelligence tools for data visualization and reporting may occur, depending on team usage.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding the role of CRM in capturing market and customer requirements.

• AI & Generative AI Tools: Hands-on experience or understanding of tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar for process optimization, content generation, and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in MS Office is a baseline. The key differentiator here is the explicit mention of AI and generative AI tools, signaling an interest in candidates who are tech-savvy and forward-thinking in adopting new operational technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact & Responsibility: A strong sense of responsibility for shaping the future of transportation and contributing to sustainability goals.

• Innovation & Progress: A drive to innovate, adopt new technologies (like AI and hydrogen), and continuously improve processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across departments and global locations to achieve common objectives.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on thorough analysis and insights to guide strategic and operational choices.

• Future Orientation: A focus on developing solutions that are sustainable, safe, and efficient for the long term.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is central, involving close work with teams from Sales, Legal, Engineering, and Manufacturing.

• Open communication and information sharing are encouraged to ensure alignment and efficient decision-making.

• A professional and structured approach to teamwork, with clear roles and responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Daimler Truck's culture likely emphasizes a blend of established corporate structure with a forward-looking, innovative spirit, especially concerning sustainability and new technologies. For operations roles, understanding how collaboration drives efficiency and strategic execution is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Diverse Requirements: Balancing conflicting market demands, regulatory requirements, and internal capabilities into a unified product strategy.

• Navigating Technological Shifts: Understanding and strategically planning for the transition from traditional diesel to emerging technologies like hydrogen and electric powertrains.

• AI Implementation: Successfully identifying and integrating AI tools into established product management workflows for tangible efficiency gains.

• Global Coordination: Managing and consolidating input from various global markets, each with unique needs and specifications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skills: Deepen knowledge in product strategy, platform management, market analysis, and specific automotive technologies.

• AI & Digitalization: Gain practical experience with AI applications and contribute to digital transformation initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Develop a comprehensive understanding of how different business functions (sales, R&D, legal, finance) interact within a large automotive company.

• Professional Development: Learn from experienced professionals, enhance presentation and communication skills, and understand corporate decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for strategic roles in rapidly evolving industries. For operations professionals, these highlight the need for adaptability, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach analyzing market requirements for a new truck model in two different regions (e.g., Europe and North America)?" (Focus on methodology, data sources, stakeholder consultation).

• "Describe a situation where you had to consolidate information from multiple sources to make a recommendation. How did you ensure accuracy and clarity?" (Highlight analytical process, communication, and decision-support).

• "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in product strategy and platform management? How could it improve efficiency?" (Discuss potential applications, benefits, and your interest in generative AI). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in an internship at Daimler Truck, specifically in product strategy for Mercedes-Benz Trucks?" (Connect your interests to the company's mission, products, and sustainability goals).

• "How do you stay updated on automotive industry trends, particularly in diesel and hydrogen technology?" (Showcase your proactive learning approach).

• "Describe your experience working in a team. What is your preferred collaboration style?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have academic projects or relevant coursework, be prepared to walk the interviewer through them. Focus on:

  • The problem or objective.
  • Your approach and methodology.
  • The tools or techniques used.
  • The results or outcomes.
  • What you learned.

• For this role, highlight projects involving analysis, strategic thinking, or cross-functional elements. If you have any AI-related projects, even personal ones, be ready to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your understanding of product strategy from an operational perspective – how strategy translates into actionable plans and impacts the broader organization. Emphasize your analytical skills and your interest in future technologies and AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused product strategy internship:

• Submit your application through the Daimler Truck careers portal (link provided).

• Tailor your resume: Highlight academic achievements, relevant coursework (economics, engineering), any project experience related to analysis, strategy, or problem-solving. Explicitly mention your proficiency in MS Office and any experience with AI tools.

• Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly state your motivation for pursuing an internship in product strategy at Daimler Truck, your interest in diesel and hydrogen technologies, and your enthusiasm for AI's role in business processes.

• Prepare for interviews: Research Daimler Truck's current product offerings, sustainability initiatives, and strategic direction. Practice answering common interview questions related to your qualifications, motivations, and analytical approach.

• Showcase your learning agility: Demonstrate your eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute to the team's objectives, even as an intern.

⚠️ 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.