Vehicle Controls Engineer

Position: Staff Vehicle Controls Engineer

GILLIG Engineering is responsible for the development, customization, and configuration of GILLIG’s clean technology heavy-duty transit buses. We are committed to developing the most reliable buses that connect communities, eliminates congestion, and contributes to a greener environment. Our engineers are engaged in designing, analyzing, testing, launching, and problem solving across a wide range of technical areas.

The Controls Team is responsible for the development and integration of advanced control algorithms for critical body functions across all vehicle platforms. Working closely with cross-functional teams, they conduct rigorous testing and validation to ensure these algorithms meet functional requirements, comply with regulatory standards, and contribute to delivering high-quality, reliable transit buses to the market.

ABOUT

THE ROLE

We are looking for a Staff Vehicle Controls Engineer who will lead, oversee and drive the development of the control algorithms for critical body functions and systems across all vehicle platforms, including our first-in-class zero emission bus. In this role, you will provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to ensure that all algorithms meet safety, regulatory, reliability, and performance requirements. You will also drive the development of advanced vehicle diagnostics and comprehensive troubleshooting guides to assist technicians in effectively resolving bus-related issues.

This role requires a highly-seasoned engineer who can make high-impact decisions, drive strategic technical & business initiatives, and ensure the successful delivery of controls algorithms for all buses.

This is a hands-on, on-site role at our Livermore, CA plant and reports to the Controls Engineering Manager.

TECHNICAL FOCUSBody Controls

Develop and implement control algorithms for vehicle body systems, ensuring seamless integration of electrical, thermal, and mechanical subsystems and components, including HVAC, lighting, doors, and safety systems.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Lead and oversee the creation of functional requirements for vehicle behavior to ensure compliance with program requirements and standards. Fully architect communication interfaces and protocols for all vehicle systems, while ensuring communication network loads and traffic remain within design limits
• Be a prime stakeholder and contributor to the design, development, testing, and implementation of advanced control algorithms to improve both existing and future bus capabilities, including the design and implement customized algorithms for embedded controllers to optimize vehicle performance
• Set technical standards and best practices for control development processes. Provide guidance, mentorship, and direction to other engineers. Review and approve algorithms and specific code, ensuring adherence to safety, regulatory, and performance requirements
• Develop and refine control models using tools such as Simulink, MATLAB, and structured text for real-time embedded targets. Lead DFMEA, hazard, and risk assessments to identify and adjust controls logic to improve detection and minimize potential failures
• Create environments to design, test, and refine electronic control systems prior to their integration on a vehicle
• Lead the development of test plans in partnership with GILLIG Validation for control systems, including test strategies for software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and in-vehicle testing. Provide technical expertise during prototype builds and testing phases
• Have oversight and accountability for the development of advanced vehicle diagnostics and creation of detailed troubleshooting guides to support efficient issue identification and resolution. Review and approve technical contents in customer-facing bus manuals, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers, to integrate control systems into vehicles seamlessly. Serve as the key technical liaison with suppliers and stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement efforts for control systems to enhance vehicle reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction. Analyze field data and feedback to identify areas for improvement

SCOPE OF

THE ROLE

• Autonomy
  :
  Ability to work independently with review at critical points and may direct the activities of others. Accountable for results that may impact the entire department.
• Technically Minded
  :
  Serve as an expert in the field and key…