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 technologyMaintain knowledge of new trends, developments, technologies, materials, and best practices; apply this knowledge to continually improve product designs and production efficiencyReview engineering drawings and projects for technical accuracy and feasibilityEstablish system level requirements and DFMEA and develop robust validation plans for each vehicle platformCollaborate 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 feedbackDeliver 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 plusExperience 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 engineering10+ years of automotive, commercial truck or bus engineering experience, required2+ years of Engineering Supervisor experienceAll 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, preferredPrior experience with vehicle chassis or powertrain design and integration WE VALUE Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidanceExcellent 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 stakeholdersEffective 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 DevelopmentBenefits 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 environmentOccasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of timeFrequent computer and telephone useFrequent communication with people throughout the dayOccasional travel to customers or suppliersThe 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.