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 Fastening & Joining Engineer leads the evaluation, optimization, and modernization of all mechanical joining designs and methods across Blue Bird buses. This role bridges design and manufacturing engineering to drive cost reductions, eliminate leaks, minimize assembly labor, and maximize vehicle durability. The successful candidate serves as the company’s subject matter expert on fastening technologies, overseeing regulatory compliance, standardizing component catalogs, and establishing robust engineering guidelines. Additionally, this position champions innovation by introducing advanced joining methods, including structural adhesives, while providing hands-on troubleshooting and technical mentorship to peer engineering teams.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluate current mechanical joining designs to optimize functionality and performance.
- Lead implementation of new fastening and joining methods with engineering teams.
- Identify design improvements to decrease material costs and assembly labor.
- Standardize joints to eliminate leaks and improve overall bus durability.
- Maintain all required FMVSS 221 compliance documentation for the company.
- Organize and maintain a comprehensive catalog of current fastening components.
- Author technical specifications and standards for new fastening and joining methods.
- Create corporate guidelines for mechanical joints, clamp loads, and thread engagements.
- Define precise torque specifications and robust error-proofing strategies for production.
- Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues or field failures related to fasteners.
- Provide ongoing engineering support and technical guidance to peer engineers.
- Participate in cross-functional design reviews to ensure best practices are utilized.
- Champion the introduction of structural adhesives to replace traditional mechanical fasteners.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
- The candidate shall have demonstrated experience with all types of metal and composite joining methods including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and various welding techniques.
- Excellent written and oral technical communication skills to communicate effectively with team members, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure project goals are met.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Eagerness to contribute and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with CAD (e.g., CATIA V6), torque control software (e.g., Atlas Copco Tools Talk), and data acquisition/MES tracking systems
- Problem-solving abilities to identify the root cause of joint failures or fastener degradation
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Materials Science Engineering from an accredited university.
- 5+ years of experience in an automotive or aerospace manufacturing company that requires a wide variety of fastening and joining solutions.
- 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.
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 to 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Office environment and production environment
- Must work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
- Fast-paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal
- Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- You must wear appropriate PPE when and where required
- Frequent weeks working 40+ hours
- Frequent communication with people throughout the day
*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 High School or better. Bachelors or better. Experience Required Experience in an automotive or aerospace manufacturing company that requires a wide variety of fastening and joining solutions. 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
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Materials Science Engineering
- 5+ years experience in automotive or aerospace manufacturing with fastening and joining solutions
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident; authorized to work in the United States
- Demonstrated experience with metal and composite joining methods (mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding)
- Familiarity with CAD (e.g., CATIA V6), torque control software (e.g., Atlas Copco Tools Talk), and data acquisition/MES tracking systems
- Excellent written and oral technical communication skills
- Problem-solving ability to identify root cause of joint failures or fastener degradation
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.
