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:
Reporting to the Director of Electrical Engineering, the Sr. Design Engineer, Electrical will lead the design, development, and optimization of complex electrical systems and vehicle powertrain architectures. You will mentor junior and mid-level engineers, drive technical decision-making, own end-to-end design lifecycles, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative solutions from concept through production. This role offers a high-impact platform to shape next-generation technology in a fast-paced environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own the architecture, schematic capture, and detailed design of electrical systems, wiring harnesses, and EV powertrain components.
- Lead the development of the next iteration of our electrical architecture, including a robust power and ground distribution strategy.
- Provide technical direction, design reviews, and constructive feedback to junior and peer engineers.
- Define electrical system and component specifications while ensuring full compliance with FMVSS, state, federal, and customer requirements.
- Oversee prototype build-outs, bench testing, and troubleshooting, leading root-cause analysis (RCA) and design iteration.
- Partner closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to guarantee design feasibility, DFM (Design for Manufacturing), and cost targets.
- Author high-level technical reports, FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) documents, design specifications, and executive presentations.
- Evaluate emerging materials, components, and EV industry trends to continuously improve system performance and reliability.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects independently from concept to launch.
- Advanced aptitude for debugging complex electrical/electronic systems and performing circuit or powertrain simulations.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting technical data to stakeholders and leadership.
- Advanced command of electrical CAD and simulation tools (e.g., Altium, Zuken, AutoCAD, Catia, 3DX, MATLAB/Simulink, or SolidWorks).
- Deep familiarity with automotive or electrical safety standards, homologation, and FMVSS regulations.
- Experience developing and executing power and ground distribution strategies
- Experience integrating new features/technologies into existing and new architectures
- Applying industry standards for harness, power, and distribution design and installation
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
- Minimum of 7+ years of Engineering experience with wiring harness, power and signal distribution design and execution, and powertrain integration (Gas, Diesel, LPG, EV)
- 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
*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 Engineering experience with wiring harness, power and signal distribution design and execution, and powertrain integration (Gas, Diesel, LPG, EV) 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 of Science degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
- Minimum of 7 years of engineering experience
- Experience with wiring harness, power and signal distribution design and execution
- Experience with powertrain integration for gas, diesel, LPG, or electric vehicles
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Authorization to work in the United States and ability to provide employment eligibility documentation
- Advanced command of electrical CAD and simulation tools such as Altium, Zuken, AutoCAD, CATIA, 3DX, MATLAB/Simulink, or SolidWorks
- Familiarity with automotive or electrical safety standards, homologation, and FMVSS regulations
- Experience developing power and ground distribution strategies
- Experience integrating new features and technologies into existing and new architectures
- Experience applying industry standards for harness, power, and distribution design and installation
- Ability to lead complex engineering projects independently from concept to launch
- Strong project management skills and exposure to difficult or complex projects
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.
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