Quality & Reliability Specialist

Inside the Role

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

Position offers a starting salary range of $58,000 - $75,000 USD

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience

What You Drive at DTNA

Quality Assurance & Issue Resolution

• Vendor Returns & Defective Material Investigations: Manage RMA requests and defective-part returns with suppliers, ensuring accurate documentation.

• Recalls & Safety Alerts: Coordinate recalls from suppliers or internal triggers; communicate updates to all necessary stakeholders.

• Problem Action Reports (PAR): Process and track quality/inventory discrepancies, issuing credit/debit requests as needed.

Inventory Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Inventory Discrepancy Resolution: Partner with the Inventory Reliability Manager to investigate mismatches, contact suppliers for clarity, and reconcile data in EWM/DView.

• Root-Cause Analysis: Identify recurring issues affecting quality or inventory accuracy, then lead or support Lean/Kaizen events to implement solutions.

• Process Optimization: Contribute to projects that refine material flow, cut waste, and boost accuracy across the PDC.

Data Management & Reporting

• Credit/Debit Requests: Evaluate returns and manage related credits or debits, keeping detailed records for supplier accountability.

• Metrics & Trends: Track key quality and inventory stats-such as defect rates, returns volume, or discrepancy resolutions-and share insights in daily meetings.

• System Integrity: Ensure data accuracy in SAP EWM, DView, and other platforms by coordinating with clerical teams to address needed updates or corrections.

Cross-Functional Communication & Coordination

• Quality Alerts & Collaboration: Investigate alerts quickly and communicate findings to relevant departments, including supervisors and the Inventory Reliability Manager.

• Supplier & Internal Alignment: Engage with suppliers to secure RMAs, clarify product specs, and address repeated issues.

• Engagement & Knowledge Sharing: Foster strong relationships with peers and other stakeholders, ensuring consistent adherence to quality and inventory standards.

Team Engagement & Coverage

• Cross-Training & Mentorship: Offer on-the-spot coaching and feedback, helping colleagues master SOPs and problem-solving techniques.

• Fill-In Responsibilities: Step in for absent team members on essential quality tasks (e.g., EWM/DView transactions) to keep operations running smoothly.

• SOP Development: Help create or refine SOPs for vendor returns, recall processes, and defect triage, always emphasizing inventory reliability.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Quality & Inventory Management: Proficiency in vendor returns, recalls, RMA processes, and core inventory control practices.

• Warehouse Systems: Familiarity with SAP EWM, DView, or similar WMS; proven track record of rectifying data discrepancies.

• Continuous Improvement: Comfortable with root-cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.) and basic Lean/Kaizen principles.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent ability to convey complex information to a range of audiences, including managers, suppliers, and production teams.

• Analytical Mindset: Skilled at spotting trends, analyzing data, and implementing systematic changes for lasting improvement.

Key Duties

• Daily/Weekly Tasks

  • Process RMA and PAR forms, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

  • Investigate daily quality alerts, coordinate solutions, and track resolution status.

  • Monitor and address inventory discrepancies, escalating to the Inventory Reliability Manager when needed.

• As-Needed Tasks

  • Communicate with suppliers on recall steps and defective materials, ensuring swift and safe returns.

  • Perform spot audits on inventory or part quality, leveraging findings for improvement suggestions.

  • Provide technical support on part identification for urgent customer or production inquiries.

• Periodic/Project-Based Tasks

  • Participate in Lean/CI initiatives targeting cost reduction, defect minimization, and inventory enhancements.

  • Collaborate on refining SOPs regarding quality alerts, vendor returns, or recall handling.

  • Train new hires or fellow team members on system best practices, problem-solving methods, and quality fundamentals.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.

  • Minimum 2 years in a quality assurance, inventory control, or distribution setting.

• Technical Skills:

  • Working knowledge of ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP EWM) plus standard office software (Excel, Word).

  • Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or equivalent methodologies is a plus.

• Soft Skills:

  • Effective communicator who excels at influencing and collaborating with diverse teams.

  • Organized, detail-focused, and adept at juggling multiple priorities.

  • Self-driven and solutions-oriented, capable of working with minimal supervision.

An Exceptional Candidate Might Have

• Advanced understanding of integrated quality and inventory management workflows.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher).

• Proven success leading cross-departmental improvement initiatives with measurable ROI in quality or inventory reliability.

• History of fostering strong supplier partnerships for corrective actions and process enhancements.

Join us in fueling the future of commercial transportation at DTNA.

As a Quality & Reliability Specialist, you'll help drive excellence, ensuring that our products consistently meet the highest standards while our inventory remains fully reliable-safeguarding DTNA's commitment to keeping the world moving.

#LI-JN2 #LI-Onsite

Where We Work

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

Schedule Type:

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

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• 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.