Engineer I/II, Sustaining Engineering (Mechanical)

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Our engineering organization is comprised of three primary departments: Current Product Engineering (CPE), New Product Engineering (NPE), Product Validation and the Colorado Technology Center (CTC).

The Current Product Engineering (CPE) Department has two main missions:

• To provide design enhancement and optimization for our current product platforms that spans across virtually all stages of the vehicle lifecycle
• To deliver robust, fleet-specific designs required for each of our customers’ operational needs

The Sustaining Engineering group is designed to enhance and optimize our current product platforms that span across virtually all stages of the vehicle lifecycle.  This group develops a broad applications of new customer option content, cost, and performance improvements, and drives resolution of technical Supply Chain, Production, Field, and Aftermarket needs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Sustaining Engineering team. Your primary responsibility will involve supporting our core product line from clean diesel to battery electric buses. You'll be troubleshooting issues, analyzing root causes, developing solutions and evolve designs on our current products.

Based at our Livermore headquarters, you'll report to the Mechanical Engineering Lead. Your contribution will be crucial in maintaining GILLIG's reputation for durable, high-performing buses, which play a vital role in shaping the future of public transportation in America. You'll work collaboratively with our team to drive innovation and improvements across our product lines, assisting in resolving technical issues in supply chain, production, and field operations. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact on the future of American public transportation, one step at a time.

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Sustaining Mechanical:

The mission of the Sustaining Engineering team is to develop new option content, cost & performance improvements to the current product, and drive resolution of technical Supply Chain, Production, and Field issues. You will have an emphasis on providing robust, service-friendly, and cost-conscious mechanical designs. This requires a multi-faceted technical skillset with the ability to work in assignments ranging from chassis & powertrain to the interior passenger space. This position will test your troubleshooting capabilities to efficiently drive to root cause and your ability to identify & implement permanent corrective actions.  Familiarity or experience with HVAC systems (commercial, residential, or vehicle) is a plus.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Conduct hands-on troubleshooting of components and vehicle systems
• Identify and evaluate design solutions to enhance cost-effectiveness, quality, delivery, and performance, collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Assess customer requirements and align them with existing designs or develop new designs as necessary
• Develop and uphold technical specifications to achieve desired performance at the component level
• Maintain accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) and comprehensive project documentation throughout the project lifecycle
• Execute assigned component tasks independently while seeking guidance for complex subsystem-level tasks from senior engineers
• Foster effective collaboration with various stakeholders including engineers, designers, technicians, sales representatives, installers, and project managers to ensure timely and budget-compliant project delivery
• Offer technical design support across multiple departments including sales, product engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, field service, and quality assurance
• Apply relevant industry practices and standards (e.g., NFPA, NEC, APTA, ADA, FMVSS) to all design activities

Additionally, at the Engineer II Level:

• Hands on troubleshooting at vehicle systems level
• Direct CAD Designers to complete 3D models and drawings as necessary
• Design and document solutions for components and modules, taking project guidelines (e.g. safety, quality, costs, weights and dates) into consideration
• Work with the test engineer(s) to create and execute defined test plans and review the test results/reports
• Conduct and plan field testing and provide preliminary evaluations
• Develop and maintain the technical specification for desired performance at the component level
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers at component level

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience
• Familiarity with manufacturing environment and processes
• Proficient in interpreting and generating mechanical drawings
• Skilled in failure and root cause analysis
• Basic knowledge of structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for components and weldments
• Knowledgeable in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles
• Understanding of typical manufacturing tolerances for sheet metal and machined parts
• Familiar with automotive mechanical systems and their functions, understanding of the automotive industry and the unique challenges it presents, heavy duty background a plus

Additionally, at the Engineer II Level:

• Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience
• Proficient in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles
• Skilled in conducting structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for components and weldments

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Regularly required to sit for long periods, stand, and walk, and occasionally kneel or squat
• Fast paced work environment
• Limited domestic travel
• Standard start time 6:00 AM (negotiable)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $275,000/annual salary + premium benefits  

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.