Automation Engineer, Programming​/PLC

Blue Bird Fort Valley
402 Blue Bird Blvd
Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA

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  .

The Automation Engineer (Programming/PLC) develops, implements, and sustains industrial control software for automated manufacturing equipment. This role owns PLC logic and related controls software (including robot and vision interfaces where applicable), supports safe and reliable operation, and leads troubleshooting and improvements that protect production uptime, quality, and operator safety. The role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and automation suppliers/integrators to commission new equipment and improve existing systems.

• Develop, test, and maintain PLC control logic for automated manufacturing equipment (discrete, continuous, and motion applications).
• Build and sustain HMI interfaces for machine control, diagnostics, alarms, and operator interaction.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and field devices (e.g., Ether Net/IP, Device Net, IO-Link) and resolve control system communication issues.
• Apply structured programming standards, documentation practices, and version control/change control for production releases.
• Support integration of PLC logic with robots, vision systems, safety devices, and peripheral equipment.

• Develop and refine robot programs (online/offline) to support applications such as material handling, assembly, welding, dispensing, and palletizing.
• Optimize robot motion and interactions for cycle time, repeatability, reliability, and safe recovery.
• Integrate robots and vision systems with PLCs, safety circuits, and peripheral equipment; support commissioning and validation activities.
• Lead or support commissioning activities for PLCs, robots, vision systems, and safety systems during installation, start‑up, and production ramp.
• Support FAT/SAT and Run‑at‑Rate activities by executing controls test plans, resolving issues, and documenting results.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues during startup and production; implement durable fixes and prevent recurrence.
• Perform software modifications to address approved process changes, performance improvements, and equipment updates while following change control.

• Implement and validate machine safety solutions (safety PLCs, light curtains, scanners, interlocked guarding) in partnership with Safety and Operations.
• Participate in risk assessments and safety reviews for automated systems and support compliance with applicable safety standards and internal policies.
• Support ISO 9000‑aligned documentation and quality requirements; contribute to PFMEA/control plans and ISIR support as assigned for new/changed processes.

• Develop and maintain controls documentation (I/O lists, program structure/comments, robot recovery procedures, operator/maintenance work instructions).
• Support creation and enforcement of PLC/robot programming standards and templates to improve maintainability and consistency.
• Partner cross‑functionally to identify opportunities to improve diagnostics, robustness, and serviceability of automation.
• Provide technical coaching to technicians and junior engineers on troubleshooting and safe recovery practices (as applicable).

• Review product design or engineering changes and assess…