Lead Vehicle Controls Engineer – Zero-Emission Bus Systems

GILLIG; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

GILLIG is seeking a Staff Vehicle Controls Engineer to lead the development of control algorithms for critical body functions across all bus platforms, including zero-emission models. You will mentor engineers, define requirements, and ensure safety, regulatory, and performance targets are met.

This on-site role at the Livermore, CA plant reports to the Controls Engineering Manager. You will collaborate cross-functionally to integrate controls and drive reliability and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a Controls Systems Engineering or Software Engineering role.
• Experience in automotive, transit and/or heavy-duty vehicle design required.
• Proven ability to collaborate with major component suppliers, engineering service suppliers, testing suppliers, and product validation engineers.
• Strong hands‑on leadership of troubleshooting, prototyping, testing, and validation, both onsite and at remote locations.
• Expert-level knowledge of vehicle communication protocols, including CAN‑Bus, LIN, and Ethernet.
• Prior lead roles in developing ladder logic, structured text, and/or model‑based development with Simulink plug‑ins such as Raptor and Motohawk.
• Expertise in MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow.
• Prior oversight and architecture development of integrated controls systems utilizing high and low voltage automotive hardware.
• Recognized authority with industry standards such as FMVSS, NHTSA, DOT, NFPA, SAE, and NEC.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the creation of functional requirements for vehicle behavior to ensure compliance with program requirements and standards.
• Architect communication interfaces and protocols for all vehicle systems while managing network loads.
• Contribute to design, development, testing, and implementation of advanced control algorithms for enhanced bus capabilities.
• Set technical standards and best practices for control development processes; mentor engineers.
• Develop and refine control models using MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow for real-time targets.
• Lead DFMEA, hazard and risk assessments to improve detection and reduce failures.
• Create environments to design, test, and refine electronic control systems pre-integration.
• Lead test plans for SIL/HIL and in-vehicle testing; support prototype builds.
• Develop vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting guides; review content for customer manuals.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams; liaise with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement for control systems based on field data.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Advanced Engineering degree

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Stateflow

Raptor

Motohawk

Job description

GILLIG is seeking a Staff Vehicle Controls Engineer to lead the development of control algorithms for critical body functions across all bus platforms, including zero-emission models. You will mentor engineers, define requirements, and ensure safety, regulatory, and performance targets are met.

This on-site role at the Livermore, CA plant reports to the Controls Engineering Manager. You will collaborate cross-functionally to integrate controls and drive reliability and customer satisfaction.