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
We’re hiring for Blue Bird’s Summer Internship Program, seeking high-performing talent who shares our passion for purpose, innovation, and creating real-world impact. This experience is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of entry-level talent and based on performance, may lead to an opportunity to join Blue Bird’s early career rotational pathway (Future Drivers Leadership Program – FDLP).
Interns will complete meaningful functional work and a special project, ending with a final project presentation to leadership. Performance and demonstrated readiness will be key factors in any post-internship consideration.
Intern placements may be available across the following areas (based on business need):
Human Resources
- Talent Acquisition
- Communications
- HRIS
- Talent Management
- Total Rewards
Operations:
- Manufacturing
- Quality
- Supply Chain
- Purchasing
- Planning
- Project Management
Commercial:
- Sales & Marketing
- Parts & Services
Engineering:
- Design
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Manufacturing
- Industrial
Information Technology
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Intern responsibilities will vary by function; however, all interns can expect to:
- Complete assigned work that supports department goals in a fast-paced, purpose-driven manufacturing and business environment.
- Support process improvement, problem-solving, and operational efficiency using data, observation, and collaboration.
- Participate in a core functional assignment and a special project that delivers measurable value to the business.
- Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to peers, mentors, and leaders (written, verbal, and presentation).
- Apply a continuous improvement mindset by asking smart questions, learning quickly, and adapting to feedback.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and safe work practices, especially when supporting plant, production, or operational environments.
- Showcase learnings obtained during the internship program by presenting outcomes of key projects to members of the Leadership Team.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
- Ability to gather information, use data, and think critically to support recommendations and decisions.
- Ability to plan work, manage time, follow through, and deliver results by deadlines.
- Strong collaboration skills, able to build trust, communicate clearly, and work effectively across teams.
- Curious, improvement-minded, and willing to explore better ways to work, solve problems, and serve customers.
- Able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the defined internship period.
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate-level student pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree aligned to one of the functional areas listed above.
- At least 18 years of age prior to the start of the internship assignment.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
*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 Required 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
- Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate-level student pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field
- At least 18 years of age prior to the start of the internship
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the defined internship period
- Legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide proof of employment eligibility at time of hire
- Ability to gather information, use data, and think critically to support recommendations and decisions
- Ability to plan work, manage time, follow through, and deliver results by deadlines
- Strong collaboration skills; able to build trust and communicate clearly across teams
- Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills to report progress, risks, and outcomes
- Curious, continuous improvement mindset; willing to learn and adapt to feedback
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and safe work practices in plant or operational environments
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.
