Senior Design Engineer, Electrical

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: 

Reporting to the Director of Electrical Engineering, the Sr. Design Engineer, Electrical will lead the design, development, and optimization of complex electrical systems and vehicle powertrain architectures. You will mentor junior and mid-level engineers, drive technical decision-making, own end-to-end design lifecycles, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative solutions from concept through production. This role offers a high-impact platform to shape next-generation technology in a fast-paced environment. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Own the architecture, schematic capture, and detailed design of electrical systems, wiring harnesses, and EV powertrain components. 
• Lead the development of the next iteration of our electrical architecture, including a robust power and ground distribution strategy. 
• Provide technical direction, design reviews, and constructive feedback to junior and peer engineers. 
• Define electrical system and component specifications while ensuring full compliance with FMVSS, state, federal, and customer requirements. 
• Oversee prototype build-outs, bench testing, and troubleshooting, leading root-cause analysis (RCA) and design iteration. 
• Partner closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to guarantee design feasibility, DFM (Design for Manufacturing), and cost targets. 
• Author high-level technical reports, FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) documents, design specifications, and executive presentations. 
• Evaluate emerging materials, components, and EV industry trends to continuously improve system performance and reliability. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects independently from concept to launch. 
• Advanced aptitude for debugging complex electrical/electronic systems and performing circuit or powertrain simulations. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting technical data to stakeholders and leadership. 
• Advanced command of electrical CAD and simulation tools (e.g., Altium, Zuken, AutoCAD, Catia, 3DX, MATLAB/Simulink, or SolidWorks). 
• Deep familiarity with automotive or electrical safety standards, homologation, and FMVSS regulations. 
• Experience developing and executing power and ground distribution strategies 
• Experience integrating new features/technologies into existing and new architectures 
• Applying industry standards for harness, power, and distribution design and installation 

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university 
• Minimum of 7 years of Engineering experience with wiring harness, power and signal distribution design and execution, and powertrain integration (Gas, Diesel, LPG, EV) 
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 

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. 
• 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. 

INCLUDES 

• Continued Professional Development 
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching 

*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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