Senior Design Engineer, Mechanical EV

Blue Bird Corporation; Fort Valley (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

14 paid holidays

Vacation time

401k with match

Job summary

Blue Bird Corporation in Fort Valley, GA is seeking a Senior Design Engineer, Mechanical, EV, to lead development of mechanical design for EV powertrains and battery systems using CAD tools. You will mentor engineers, oversee prototypes, lead design reviews, ensure FMVSS compliance, and collaborate with Powertrain, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing to ensure manufacturability.

The role offers growth, a dynamic team, and opportunities to influence critical vehicle programs in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 5+ years progressive mechanical design experience in automotive/bus/heavy-duty OEM environments.
• 3+ years hands-on EV powertrain integration, high-voltage battery packaging, or alternative propulsion.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident required.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design and integration of EV powertrain architectures and battery systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to optimize models and drawings.
• Conduct engineering research and analysis to inform architecture decisions and milestones.
• Own specifications, manufacturing, validation and test documentation.
• Ensure compliance with FMVSS, state, and customer requirements.

Skills

Leadership

CAD proficiency

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

MATLAB

Job description

Blue Bird Fort Valley
402 Blue Bird Blvd
Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA

Description

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD)isrecognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design,engineerand manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world –25 million childrentwice 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 Manager, EV Design Engineering, theSenior Design Engineer, Mechanical, EVwillleadthe developmentand refinement of innovative mechanical design solutions for electric vehicle platforms. You willutilizeadvanced CAD software to create complex models and drawings,oversee prototype development, andlead formal design reviews. This position offers an excellent opportunity todrive critical vehicle programs, mentor junior engineers, and advance your technical career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and mechanical integration of EV powertrain architectures, battery systems, and related components.
• Mentor andprovidetechnical guidanceto junior engineers and designers tooptimizedetailed models and engineering drawings.
• Conduct complex engineering research and data analysis to drive critical architecture choices and project milestones.
• Own the definition and implementationof comprehensive mechanical system andcomponentspecifications, including manufacturing, validation, and test documentation.
• Ensure strict product compliance by interpreting and applyingFMVSS, State, ADA, and customer requirementsacross all design releases.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level technical documentation, engineering reports, and program presentations.
• Facilitate and drive design reviews,establishingengineering best practices while delivering constructive, high-level troubleshooting and technical feedback.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging industry trends, advanced materials, structural bonding methods (e.g., structural adhesives), and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Lead cross-functional initiativeswith Powertrain, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing teams to secure design feasibility and high-quality manufacturability.
• Manage project priorities and assignments to completion, overseeing external engineering service providers or specialized supplier activities whenrequired.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSAND ABILITIESFOR SUCCESS

• Strong technical leadership capabilitywith a proventrack recordof managing complex engineering projects independently to completion.
• Advanced analytical and structural problem-solving skills (e.g., Root Cause Analysis, 8D methodologies).
• Exceptional written and oral technical communication skills, with the ability to translate complex engineering logic for executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Expertproficiencyin advanced engineering software and tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, MATLAB, or relevant CAE/PLM suites).
• Deep understanding ofmedium/heavy-duty vehicle architectures, body-on-chassis platforms, and low- or zero-emission powertrain constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to make rational, high-discernment decisions under pressureregardingcomponentselectionand downstream manufacturing impacts.

BASICEDUCATION ANDEXPERIENCEREQUIRED

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
• 5+ yearsof progressive mechanical design engineering experience within an automotive, bus, or heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing (OEM) environment.
• 3+years of direct hands-on experience specializing inEV powertrain integration, high-voltage battery packaging, or alternative propulsion platforms.
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

WE VALUE

• Ability toanticipateand understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills.Exposure todifficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and workhours thathelp you unleash thebestyou.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporateobjectives.

INCLUDES

• Benefits including medical, dental andvisioninsurance, 14 paid holidays, vacationtimeand 401k with match

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. Theyrepresenttypical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonableaccommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisionson the basisofmerit.Westrive tohavethebest availabletalentineveryjob based on the Knowledge,Skillsand Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable lawsprovidingequal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allpersonsinvolved 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 berequiredto provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

#LI-Onsite

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Experience

Required

3 years

Direct hands-on experience specializing in EV powertrain integration, high-voltage battery packaging, or alternative propulsion platforms.

5 years

Progressive mechanical design engineering experience within an automotive, bus, or heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing (OEM) environment

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.