JOB SUMMARYThe Vehicle Development Engineer in Engineering leads the physical integration, validation, and optimization of complete vehicle systems for Blue Bird's commercial and school bus platforms. This role drives the physical development lifecycle of traditional, low-emission, and electric vehicle (EV) platforms from early prototype stages through to production line sign-off. The Vehicle Development Engineer acts as the bridge between virtual engineering design and physical reality, ensuring that complete vehicles meet performance, durability, safety, and ride-and-handling targets.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Vehicle Integration & Build: Oversee the physical assembly and functional integration of complex vehicle subsystems, including powertrain, chassis, thermal management, and high-voltage EV networks onto prototype platforms.
- Test Planning & Execution: Author comprehensive vehicle validation plans (DVP&R) and conduct physical vehicle testing on test tracks and laboratory environments (e.g., structural durability, thermal performance, and vehicle dynamics).
- Data Acquisition & Analysis: Instrument prototype vehicles with sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges) and utilize data acquisition tools to capture, analyze, and interpret real-world engineering metrics.
- Issue Resolution & Tuning: Identify system-level conflicts, design defects, or performance shortfalls during physical testing, and lead root cause analysis (RCA) to implement corrective design modifications.
- Regulatory & Safety Validation: Manage vehicle-level compliance testing to satisfy Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), environmental mandates, and internal safety protocols.
- Subjective & Objective Evaluation: Conduct vehicle ride, handling, braking, and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) evaluations, translating subjective test-driver feedback into quantitative engineering targets.
- Cross-Functional Optimization: Collaborate directly with Component Design Engineers, Simulation teams (FEA/CFD), and Plant Manufacturing Operations to refine vehicle designs for optimal assembly and performance.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS- Vehicle Systems Expertise: Holistic understanding of complete automotive architectures, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and electronic control unit (ECU) networks.
- Data Acquisition Proficiency: Hands-on experience with automotive instrumentation tools and data analysis software (e.g., Vector CANalyzer, CANape, Dewesoft, or Somat eDAQ).
- Problem-Solving Mastery: Expert diagnostic skills to troubleshoot complex, interacting system faults across mechanical, high-voltage electrical, and software domains.
- Testing Methodologies: Deep knowledge of vehicle dynamics testing, accelerated structural durability protocols, and thermal management evaluation techniques.
- Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively convey vehicle-level test findings and engineering recommendations to cross-functional design and executive teams.
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED- Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in vehicle development, vehicle integration, or experimental validation within an automotive or heavy truck OEM environment.
- 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- Direct experience validating high-voltage Electric Vehicle (EV) systems, battery pack integration, or electric drivetrain calibrations.
- Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement, or the ability to obtain one for test-track operations.
- Familiarity with automotive communication protocols such as J1939, CAN, and LIN bus systems.
- Advanced engineering degree, such as a Master of Science in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering.
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 to 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
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
*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
