Engineering Lead, Simulation/CAE

Blue Bird Corporation; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

14 paid holidays

401k matching

Job summary

Blue Bird Corporation seeks an experienced CAE engineer to lead simulation-driven design across concept to launch. You will align CAE with DVP&R and physical correlation, leveraging automation to shorten cycles while improving cost, safety and reliability.

Collaborate with Design, Test and Manufacturing to diagnose field issues, implement design improvements, and optimize weight, cost and performance in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5+ years of professional computer aided engineering experience.
• Proficiency in engineering software/tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, and Python scripting).
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead simulation-driven design strategies from concept through product launch, utilizing predictive analytics to optimize physical prototype iterations.
• Drive simulation and correlation to validate models against physical test data, ensuring thorough and timely completion of Design Verification Plan & Report milestones.
• Develop scalable CAE methodologies, automation workflows, and process scripts to reduce analysis cycle times and accelerate time-to-market.
• Investigate and diagnose complex field issues using root-cause CAE analysis, developing countermeasures for empirical validation.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams (Design, Test, and Manufacturing) to ensure designs meet conflicting attribute targets while enabling DFM and DFA feasibility.

Skills

CAE tools

Predictive analytics

Cross-functional leadership

Python scripting

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Excel

Communication

Project management

Education

BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

MS Engineering (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Python

MS Office

Job description

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, visitwww.blue-bird.com .

JOB SUMMARY

This individual will help develop and lead the company’s simulation strategy by collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners. Key responsibilities include driving current and future product development design cycles, aligning simulation with DVP&R and physical correlation activities, and leveraging CAE expertise to optimize product quality, reliability, cost, and timing. Additionally, they will model field issues to accelerate root-cause analysis and execute robust design improvements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead simulation-driven design strategies from concept through product launch, utilizing predictive analytics to optimize physical prototype iterations
• Drive simulation and correlation to validate models against physical test data, ensuring thorough and timely completion of Design Verification Plan & Report milestones
• Develop scalable CAE methodologies, automation workflows, and process scripts to reduce analysis cycle times and accelerate time-to-market
• Investigate and diagnose complex field issues using root-cause CAE analysis, developing countermeasures for empirical validation
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams (Design, Test, and Manufacturing) to ensure designs meet conflicting attribute targets (e.g., mass, cost, structural integrity) while ensuring Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly feasibility
• Relentlessly pursuing optimization in methodologies, technologies, and workflows, and product to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and timing

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Technical proficiency of structural, electrical, software, thermal, or fluid CAE and their specific applications to transportation industry standards (e.g., FMVSS, ISO, SAE)
• Proven track record of developing automated workflows, scripting macros deploying advanced simulation methods to shorten product development cycles.
• Excel in written and spoken communication with the ability to distill complex technical data into inspiring design recommendations, actively fostering team morale, stakeholder buy-in, and a shared sense of optimism.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, managing complex simulation projects independently, and driving collaborative engineering consensus under tight deadlines.
• Passionate about creating products that excite internal and external customers
• Desire to remain current with the continuous evolution of simulation technologies

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5+ years of professional computer aided engineering experience
• Proficiency in engineering software/tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, and Python scripting)
• 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.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with state, federal, and Canadian regulations affecting school buses
• Experience with validation, Advanced Programming Interface (API), Python scripting, and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) or similar tools
• Currently valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Master’s degree in an engineering field

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 helping unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

INCLUDES

• 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.

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Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

High School or better.

Experience

Required

5 years:

Professional computer-aided engineering experience

Equal Opportunity Employer
This 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.