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
Blue Bird’s Engineering interns engage in a variety of work experiences applying their theoretical knowledge to real world business challenges. Engineering interns typically support one or more experienced engineers completing moderately complex tasks in a production and/or product design engineering environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Complete basic engineering tasks related to time studies, optimize floor layout and process mapping
- Under the supervision of an experienced engineer, perform analysis on existing process and work stations
- Engage in projects and/or studies that promote continuous improvement and operational efficiency
- Identify inefficiencies and come up with Lean solutions; update work instructions and Job Element Sheet (JES)
- Showcase learnings obtained during the internship program by presenting outcomes of key projects to members of the Engineering leadership team and/or members of Blue Birds’ Executive Leadership Team.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
- Able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for a 15-week period beginning May 19, 2025 – September 5, 2025
- Familiarity with CAD software; CATIA preferred
- Ability to work semi-autonomously with appropriate guidance and direction
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Junior, or Senior student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering
- At least 18 years of age prior to the start of the internship assignment
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
WORKING 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.
- Mix of office work with computer and telephone use, and working on plant floor collecting data, optimizing process and flow
- Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety shoes as all time on plant floor.
- May be exposed to hot/cold weather and loud noises.
- Occasional periods of extended standing or sitting
- Frequent communication with people throughout the day
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.
*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.
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.
#LI-Onsite
Qualifications Education Preferred Bachelors or better. Equal Opportunity EmployerThis 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.
Skills Required
- Junior or Senior student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering
- Able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for a 15-week period (May 19, 2025 - September 5, 2025)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- At least 18 years of age prior to the start of the internship
- Familiarity with CAD software
- Experience with CATIA
- Ability to work semi-autonomously with appropriate guidance and direction
- Legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide proof of employment eligibility
- Willingness to work on plant floor, collect data, and wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes)
Blue Bird Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Blue Bird and has not been reviewed or approved by Blue Bird.
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Pay Growth & Progression — The 2024 collective bargaining agreement delivered meaningful wage increases for covered hourly employees, with larger boosts at the lowest pay bands. Subsequent contractual provisions point to a structurally improved earnings path for many production roles.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Overtime availability and profit sharing lift overall earnings potential, particularly in production settings. The contract formalized profit sharing and added financial provisions that enhance variable pay.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with Roth option and an employer match is offered, and the union agreement introduced a defined‑contribution retirement plan for covered workers. Company materials indicate employer contributions are part of the total rewards package.
Blue Bird Insights
What We Do
About Us Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. Since 1927, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,600 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of Dealers and Parts & Service facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Our Promise We are singularly focused on building and selling school buses that customers want and value. The safety of schoolchildren is at the center of all that we do and we will strive every day, just as we have since our beginning in 1927, to provide an unparalleled and affordable product in terms of safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. We will be easy to do business with, responsive to our customers' wants and needs, and provide prompt after-sale support in parts and service through a professional, high-qualified distribution network. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. What We Stand For We come to work every day with one common goal, to design, build, sell and service the world's finest school bus. That's what we do - no distractions, no competing priorities. We are heirs to a rich legacy, one of listening to our customers, embracing their needs, and delivering innovations that lead the market. We commit ourselves to four driving priorities - safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. We embody the interests of every child that rides us, every driver that drives us, every service technician that services us and every district that buys us. More than a business, this work is our heritage, and we have been at it since 1927 - that's purpose driven.
