Automation Engineer, Programming/PLC

About Blue Bird Corporation

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 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. 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 Automation Engineer (Programming/PLC) develops, implements, and sustains industrial control software for automated manufacturing equipment. This role owns PLC logic and related controls software (including robot and vision interfaces where applicable), supports safe and reliable operation, and leads troubleshooting and improvements that protect production uptime, quality, and operator safety. The role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and automation suppliers/integrators to commission new equipment and improve existing systems.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PLC & Controls Programming

• Develop, test, and maintain PLC control logic for automated manufacturing equipment (discrete, continuous, and motion applications).
• Build and sustain HMI interfaces for machine control, diagnostics, alarms, and operator interaction.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and field devices (e.g., EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link) and resolve control system communication issues.
• Apply structured programming standards, documentation practices, and version control/change control for production releases.
• Support integration of PLC logic with robots, vision systems, safety devices, and peripheral equipment.

 

Robotics Programming & Integration

• Develop and refine robot programs (online/offline) to support applications such as material handling, assembly, welding, dispensing, and palletizing.
• Optimize robot motion and interactions for cycle time, repeatability, reliability, and safe recovery.
• Integrate robots and vision systems with PLCs, safety circuits, and peripheral equipment; support commissioning and validation activities.

System Commissioning & Production Support

• Lead or support commissioning activities for PLCs, robots, vision systems, and safety systems during installation, start-up, and production ramp.
• Support FAT/SAT and Run-at-Rate activities by executing controls test plans, resolving issues, and documenting results.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues during startup and production; implement durable fixes and prevent recurrence.
• Perform software modifications to address approved process changes, performance improvements, and equipment updates while following change control.

 

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Implement and validate machine safety solutions (safety PLCs, light curtains, scanners, interlocked guarding) in partnership with Safety and Operations.
• Participate in risk assessments and safety reviews for automated systems and support compliance with applicable safety standards and internal policies.
• Support ISO 9000-aligned documentation and quality requirements; contribute to PFMEA/control plans and ISIR support as assigned for new/changed processes.

 

Documentation & Standards, and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain controls documentation (I/O lists, program structure/comments, robot recovery procedures, operator/maintenance work instructions).
• Support creation and enforcement of PLC/robot programming standards and templates to improve maintainability and consistency.
• Partner cross-functionally to identify opportunities to improve diagnostics, robustness, and serviceability of automation.
• Provide technical coaching to technicians and junior engineers on troubleshooting and safe recovery practices (as applicable).

Product Change Support

• Review product design or engineering changes and assess manufacturing/controls impact using the PLM process and change governance.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Hands-on experience with one or more PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron).
• Experience programming and commissioning industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa).
• Understanding of safety PLC logic and functional safety concepts; ability to implement safe control strategies.
• Experience integrating vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) and troubleshooting camera/trigger/communication issues.
• Experience with servo motion systems and troubleshooting motion-related faults (as applicable).
• Strong troubleshooting skills in a production environment; ability to debug interactions across PLCs, robots, HMIs, and field devices.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to operators, maintenance, suppliers/integrators, and engineering partners.
• High ownership, responsiveness, and disciplined change control in a manufacturing environment.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or related)
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience programming PLCs and industrial robots

• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

 

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

 

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

 

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.

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Must be able to work as necessary
• Must be able to work with diverse workforce
• Weekends and travel as required

 

*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® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings.  Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.

 

All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

 

#LI-Onsite

Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better. Experience Required Hands on experience programming PLCs and industrial robots. Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.