Controls Engineer, Powertrain
Job Description
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 Sr Manager, Calibration & Commercial Chassis, the Entry-Level Controls Engineer, Powertrain will support the development of innovative powertrain control systems for nextgeneration school bus products. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, you will contribute to creating and refining control models, supporting prototype builds, and participating in design reviews. You will use tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and other engineering software while gaining handson experience across powertrain and vehicle systems. This role also includes assisting with basic project tracking, including documenting timing, risks, and weekly project updates.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in developing powertrain control software that meets system and functional requirements.
- Support basic control of I/O devices, including drivers and common automotive sensors.
- Help develop CANbased control functionality and assist in integrating systems such as ESC, ABS, ADAS, and other vehicle subsystems.
- Build and maintain MATLAB/Simulink control models used for software development.
- Contribute to torquerelated safety and arbitration features under senior engineer direction.
- Learn to interpret FMVSS, state regulations, and specific customer requirements relevant to powertrain controls.
- Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations as part of project deliverables.
- Participate in troubleshooting activities and design reviews, offering observations and learning from technical feedback.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.
- Work collaboratively with crossfunctional teams to support design feasibility and manufacturability.
- Assist in maintaining requirement traceability and documentation for powertrain features.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Interest in systemslevel engineering and ability to follow tasks through completion.
- Foundational understanding of controls theory and strong problemsolving skills.
- Familiarity with robust control strategies through coursework or project experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Exposure to engineering tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or programming languages like C/C++.
EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering from an accredited university
- All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Prior internship or 1 year of experience in electrical, controls, or automotive engineering, preferred
- EV/HEV knowledge, preferred
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.
#LI-Onsite
Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.Education
Required: Bachelors
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 Sr Manager, Calibration & Commercial Chassis, the Entry-Level Controls Engineer, Powertrain will support the development of innovative powertrain control systems for nextgeneration school bus products. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, you will contribute to creating and refining control models, supporting prototype builds, and participating in design reviews. You will use tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and other engineering software while gaining handson experience across powertrain and vehicle systems. This role also includes assisting with basic project tracking, including documenting timing, risks, and weekly project updates.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in developing powertrain control software that meets system and functional requirements.
- Support basic control of I/O devices, including drivers and common automotive sensors.
- Help develop CANbased control functionality and assist in integrating systems such as ESC, ABS, ADAS, and other vehicle subsystems.
- Build and maintain MATLAB/Simulink control models used for software development.
- Contribute to torquerelated safety and arbitration features under senior engineer direction.
- Learn to interpret FMVSS, state regulations, and specific customer requirements relevant to powertrain controls.
- Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations as part of project deliverables.
- Participate in troubleshooting activities and design reviews, offering observations and learning from technical feedback.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.
- Work collaboratively with crossfunctional teams to support design feasibility and manufacturability.
- Assist in maintaining requirement traceability and documentation for powertrain features.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Interest in systemslevel engineering and ability to follow tasks through completion.
- Foundational understanding of controls theory and strong problemsolving skills.
- Familiarity with robust control strategies through coursework or project experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Exposure to engineering tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or programming languages like C/C++.
EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering from an accredited university
- All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Prior internship or 1 year of experience in electrical, controls, or automotive engineering, preferred
- EV/HEV knowledge, preferred
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.
#LI-Onsite
Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.Education
Required: Bachelors
About Blue Bird Corporation
About Us
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. Since 1927, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,600 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of Dealers and Parts & Service facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
Our Promise
We are singularly focused on building and selling school buses that customers want and value. The safety of schoolchildren is at the center of all that we do and we will strive every day, just as we have since our beginning in 1927, to provide an unparalleled and affordable product in terms of safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. We will be easy to do business with, responsive to our customers' wants and needs, and provide prompt after-sale support in parts and service through a professional, high-qualified distribution network. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
What We Stand For
We come to work every day with one common goal, to design, build, sell and service the world's finest school bus. That's what we do - no distractions, no competing priorities. We are heirs to a rich legacy, one of listening to our customers, embracing their needs, and delivering innovations that lead the market.
We commit ourselves to four driving priorities - safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. We embody the interests of every child that rides us, every driver that drives us, every service technician that services us and every district that buys us. More than a business, this work is our heritage, and we have been at it since 1927 - that's purpose driven.
Blue Bird Corporation would like you to finish the application on their website.