Engineering Manager, Chassis Design

About Blue Bird Corporation

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

The Chassis Design Engineering Manager oversees and coordinates the daily operations of the Chassis Engineering Design group to ensure the team supports current production needs, while developing and deploying future programs in support of corporate strategy and initiatives.  The Chassis Engineering Manager is responsible for ensuring that product designs are robust, cost effective, manufacturable, and comply with applicable regulations. This position will directly supervise a team of salaried design engineers and manage development activities across multiple concurrent projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Chassis Engineering Design group in forward model development activities for all ICE powertrain and chassis systems for the school bus product. This includes requirements development, design activities, BOM creation, validation and product launch.
• Act as technical subject matter lead for ICE powertrain and emissions technology
• Maintain knowledge of new trends, developments, technologies, materials, and best practices; apply this knowledge to continually improve product designs and production efficiency
• Review engineering drawings and projects for technical accuracy and feasibility
• Establish system level requirements and DFMEA and develop robust validation plans for each vehicle platform
• Collaborate with other functions in Blue Bird to deliver new projects at quality targets, to budget constraints and on time.
• Lead the team in on-going issue resolution, quality improvements and cost optimization activities.
• Develop team which includes coaching, goal setting and performance evaluation and feedback
• Deliver solutions that meet program goals, all applicable specifications and quality expectations.
• Ensure designs meet all applicable Federal, state, and customer requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Excellent written and oral technical communication skills.
• Experienced in engineering tools including DFMEA, 8D problem solving, RTVM, Interface Diagrams.
• Experience working in a vehicle manufacturing facility on new product introductions and on-going issue resolution.
• Formal Root Cause Analysis Training (Shanin, Blackbelt, Fishbone tools) is a plus
• Experience working with suppliers on product design, feasibility, quality improvement and cost reduction.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering development and design release processes.
• Outstanding work ethic; motivational leadership style.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 10+ years of automotive, commercial truck or bus engineering experience, required
• 2+ years of Engineering Supervisor experience
• 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

• M.S. in Engineering, preferred
• Prior experience with vehicle chassis or powertrain design and integration

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

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• 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
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Frequent computer and telephone use
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day
• Occasional travel to customers or suppliers

*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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