Technical Designer, Body Seat Plan

Location:

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.

Reporting to the Manager, Process Control Group, this role will serve as the critical bridge between the dealer requested body and seat plan configurations and final production. You are responsible for turning dealer requests into detailed, manufacturable vehicles that meet stringent safety and performance standards.

• Technical Specification & Drafting:
  Create detailed 2D drawings of bus body and seat configurations such as exterior and interior layouts using software like AutoCAD, Solid Works, or 3DX when required.
• Feasibility & Optimization:
  Review initial requests to identify and resolve potential manufacturing and/or spec issues, ensuring units can be produced.
• Prototyping & Testing:
  Work with engineering on the creation of prototypes and testing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner with engineering, quality assurance, sales, and production teams to troubleshoot production and customer issues and implement design improvements.
• Vendor & Supply Coordination:
  Work closely with external suppliers to create seat plan kits that are outside of the Blue Bird systems.

• Software mastery:
  Some proficiency in CAD systems (e.g., AutoCAD, NX, 3DX, Inventor) and high proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with PLM tools and Blue Bird internal systems such as the ordering system and options database.
• Technical knowledge:
  Strong understanding of the school bus body design and seat installation.
• Problem-solving:
  Ability to perform complex mathematical computations and analyze technical data to prevent and resolve production, sales, and engineering issues.
• Compliance expertise:
  Familiarity with industry-specific safety standards such as FMVSS/CMVSS.

• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in Industrial Engineering Design or a related technical field preferred.
• 2+ years experience as a product or parts designer.
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance and resolutions.
• 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 convey complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible work spaces and work hours.
• Collaborative teamwork and balancing stakeholder needs while delivering corporate objectives.

• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance; 14 paid holidays; vacation time and 401(k) matching.

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.
• 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.

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…