Intern, Mechanical Engineering

Blue Bird Brand; Fort Valley (GA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Bird is seeking interns for its Summer Internship Program to gain hands-on experience across multiple business functions, including HR, Operations, Commercial, Engineering, and IT. Interns will complete meaningful work, participate in a capstone project, and present outcomes to leadership.

You will rotate through areas such as Talent Acquisition, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, Design, Electrical, and IT, with mentorship and performance reviews to guide development.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a relevant degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Ability to gather information, use data, and think critically to support recommendations.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to communicate clearly across teams.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned work that supports department goals in a fast-paced 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 delivering measurable value to the business.
• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to peers, mentors, and leaders (written, verbal, and presentation).
• Apply a continuous improvement mindset by learning quickly and adapting to feedback.
• Demonstrate professionalism and safe work practices in plant or operational settings.
• Present outcomes of key projects to Leadership Team.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Sophomore/Junior/Senior/Graduate student

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, 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

• 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.

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