Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for assessing the technical needs and requirements for all assigned projects, creating engineering specifications, design validation, and releasing mechanical component and system models and drawings. The engineer will work in one of the product design sections on mechanical design tasks for new or improved bus body, chassis, powertrain, or electric bus systems. The Mechanical Design Engineer will also interface with other functional groups within Blue Bird including Project Management, Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Quality and Field Support as needed. The successful candidate will be detail oriented and able to complete tasks in a consistent and accurate manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assess project requirements and technical challenges, provide estimates and updates on all assigned tasks to Project Management and supervisor, and conduct risk assessments
• Ensure all designs meet all applicable FMVSS, school bus, company or supplier technical requirements
• Define or assist in definition of mechanical system and component specifications
• Produce component/system drawings and specifications using Catia v6 CAD software that achieve safety, quality, timing, and cost targets; define bill of material requirements; define and maintain feature requirements or constraints; establish design and installation specifications
• Validate and approve new product designs in coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure they are safe, robust, and efficient
• Communicate with internal teams including Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Sales and Suppliers
• Provide design support to cross functional team to during development, procurement, launch, and support phases of projects

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a product design engineer in a relevant automotive, truck, bus or other on-highway vehicle company
• Experience with computer-aided design/modelling software (CATIA V6 or equivalent), and problem-solving disciplines such as DFMEA, DVP&R, DFM, 8D, GD&T, etc.
• Familiarity with Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Tools (FEA, etc.)
• Experience or knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and assembly, welding, plastic component design, adhesives, and/or automotive paint
• Excellent written, verbal and technical communication and time management skills

WORK CONDITIONS:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Office environment with occasional periods in manufacturing environment, especially during product testing, launch, or when problem solving
• Frequent computer and telephone use
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day either in formal meetings or informally
• Travel: 0-10%

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird’s winning culture is fueled by our ability to respect, encourage, celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives of all of our employees.  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer who is committed to providing all of our employees with a work environment free of discrimination or harassment.  We base our employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, national, social or ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.