Engineering Lead, Simulation/CAE

Blue Bird Brand; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

14 Paid Holidays

Vacation Time

401(k) Matching

Job summary

Blue Bird Corporation is seeking an experienced CAE Specialist to lead simulation-driven development for school bus products. You will collaborate with Design, Test, and Manufacturing to optimize prototypes, validate models with physical data, and drive robust design improvements across the product lifecycle.

The role requires 5+ years in CAE, strong scripting skills, and a commitment to advancing simulation methodologies within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 5+ years of professional computer-aided engineering experience required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, and Python scripting.
• US citizen or permanent resident authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead simulation-driven design strategies from concept through product launch, using predictive analytics to optimize prototypes.
• Drive simulation and correlation to validate models against physical test data, ensuring timely DVPR milestones.
• Develop scalable CAE methodologies, automation workflows, and scripts to reduce analysis cycle times.
• Investigate field issues using CAE analysis and develop countermeasures for validation.
• Collaborate with Design, Test, and Manufacturing to meet conflicting targets while maintaining DFM/DFMA feasibility.
• Pursue continuous optimization of methodologies and tools to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and timing.

Skills

CAE expertise

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

M.S. (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Python

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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 pursue optimization in methodologies, technologies, workflows, and products to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and timing.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Technical proficiency in 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, and deploying advanced simulation methods to shorten product development cycles.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, able to distill complex technical data into inspiring design recommendations and foster team morale and stakeholder buy‑in.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, managing complex simulation projects independently, and driving collaborative engineering consensus under tight deadlines.
• Passion for creating products that excite internal and external customers.
• Desire to remain current with the continuous evolution of simulation technologies.

Education & Experience

• 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 and authorized to work in the United States.

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.

Other Qualities

• 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 is a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders.
• Effective communication and ability to convey complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and hours to unleash the best you.
• Collaborative teamwork and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

Benefits

Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance; 14 paid holidays; vacation time; and 401(k) 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 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.
• Must wear appropriate PPE when and where required.
• Frequent weeks working 40+ hours.
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.