Porsche became the Technical Director of Austro-Daimler, a major Austrian automobile manufacturer. He was responsible for designing and developing new vehicles.

Porsche designed the Austro-Daimler Prince Henry Trial race car, which achieved considerable success in motorsport, boosting the company's reputation.

During World War I, Porsche contributed to the war effort by designing and developing military vehicles for Austro-Daimler, including aircraft engines and motorized artillery.

Porsche designed the highly successful Sascha racing car, named after Count Sascha Kolowrat, which won the Targa Florio race in its class. It was a lightweight and innovative design.

Porsche left Austro-Daimler due to disagreements with the company's management regarding design philosophy and production strategies. He sought greater creative control over his work.