Aftermarket Applications Engineer

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. 

We are pleased to share that we have an exciting career opportunity for an Aftermarket Applications Engineer to serve as a key member of the Blue Bird Parts Team.  This role will work closely with our Aftermarket Purchasing Team to identify, validate, and determine the parts required for our Blue Bird equipment. The ideal candidate will maintain technical documentation, recommend alternative parts, suppliers, and support the management of PLM projects.  

JOB SUMMARY: 

Reporting to the Director, Product Support, this role is accountable for working closely with purchasing, operations, engineering, field service and manufacturing in representing all projects/programs that support Blue Bird's parts initiatives. Additional duties include engineering design to support and facilitate retrofit solutions. The Aftermarket Parts Engineer ensures communication of changes for timely procurement and evaluation of technical source material necessary for production of service, training and parts publications.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead and manage Aftermarket Parts Engineering projects in the Product Life Management (PLM) system, ensuring timely execution and seamless tracking 
• Research, evaluate, and recommend alternative parts and suppliers to improve costing, lead time, and quality 
• Ensuring alternative parts and kits comply with industry standards (e.g. FMVSS, DOT, etc) 
• Collaborate with Design and Service Engineers to identify and structure service only parts and comprehensive parts kits 
• Identify parts catalogs effected by new product launches and product design changes that drive publication creation and/or revisions 
• Provides engineering level technical support and direction to sales & purchasing team members to resolve dealer submitted support tickets 
• Supports Parts Sales team in identifying alternative service parts and/or repair processes for service parts that have become obsolete or are no longer able to be procured  
• Collaborate with Service Engineers as needed to identify and structure service only parts and parts kits 
• Support new part set-up requests from CSR cases 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of automotive engineering fundamentals across chassis, body, electrical, and powertrain domains 
• Robust understanding of mechanical and electrical components and their real-world vehicle applications 
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing engineering practices and systems including PLM, ERP, and CAE programs 
• Experience reflecting a high level of critical thinking regarding the selection of service parts and a keen understanding of downstream supply chain and serviceability ramifications.   
• Strong analytical and rational decision-making abilities. Proven track record of working independently, following through initiatives, and solving technical hurdles rapidly.  
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy 
• Able to work independently, following through and solving problems quickly 
• Desire to work together as a team, working collaboratively to solve problems 
• Experience working with technical documentation, drawings, and specifications 
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical components and their applications 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite 

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline  
• 5 years of engineering level activity and support within a bus, automotive or heavy-duty manufacturing (OEM) environment 
• 5 years of Project Management 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. 

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 is a plus.  
• Ability to influence stakeholders 
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex compensation details in a clear manner. 
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you. 
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives. 

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 and production environment  
• Must work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise 
• Fast-paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal 
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time 
• You must wear appropriate PPE when and where required 
• Frequent weeks working 40 hours 
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day 
• Travel up 10% for Supplier and Dealer visits for part qualification and investigation for chronic field issues 

*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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