Electrical Architecture Engineer

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 Director, Electrical Systems & Integration, this role is responsible for supporting the definition and implementation of the electrical architecture for next-generation commercial vehicle platforms from concept through production launch. This position contributes to the development of vehicle electrical backbone, including low power distribution, communication networks, electrical interfaces, wiring architecture, and system integration. Working closely with the Systems & Integration engineering teams, this position ensures electrical sub-systems integrate seamlessly into the overall vehicle architecture while supporting manufacturability, serviceability, reliability, and future scalability. 

The role provides technical support and collaboration with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and external engineering partners to execute electrical architecture designs, interface definitions, and design quality throughout the product lifecycle. This is a high-impact engineering role for a motivated individual who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys building new technology from a clean sheet, and wants to make a meaningful impact on the electrical foundation of an entirely new vehicle platform. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Electrical Architecture Execution: Assist in defining and executing vehicle electrical architecture, including power distribution layouts, grounding strategy, wiring topology, electrical interfaces, device transmittals, and system partitioning. 
• Vehicle Network Implementation: Develop and configure CAN, J1939, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, and future communication network architectures supporting propulsion, body controls, diagnostics, telematics, and vehicle systems. 
• Low-Voltage Integration: Support the development and integration of 12V/24V electrical systems  
• Electrical Interface Definition: Develop and maintain electrical interface definitions, connector strategies, communication mappings, and integration requirements between vehicle systems and suppliers. 
• Wiring & Harness Design: Design and specify vehicle wiring architecture, harness topology, routing strategy, electrical protection, connector selection, and serviceability requirements. 
• Cross-Functional Systems Integration: Partner with Systems Integration, Propulsion Integration, Vehicle Integration & Validation, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ensure electrical designs support vehicle-level integration and launch readiness. 
• Supplier Collaboration: Collaborate closely with suppliers and external engineering partners to communicate technical deliverables, track engineering timelines, and ensure design quality. 
• Validation & Launch Support: Support prototype builds, validation testing, manufacturing launch, and early production by diagnosing and resolving electrical integration issues. 
• Standards Adherence: Follow established electrical design standards, architecture guidelines, best practices, and reusable design strategies to improve engineering consistency. 
• Regulatory Compliance Support: Verify that electrical designs comply with FMVSS, SAE, ISO, EMC, cybersecurity, and applicable commercial vehicle regulations and industry standards. 
• Adapt in Evolving Environments: Successfully execute design tasks in environments where requirements, technologies, and vehicle architectures are evolving simultaneously. 
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop foundation documents including Boundary Diagram, DVP&R and FMEA 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS 

• Solid understanding of vehicle electrical architecture and electrical systems integration. 
• Hands-on experience designing or analyzing CAN, J1939, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, or multiplexed vehicle communication networks. 
• Exposure to or experience working with high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems for commercial or automotive vehicle platforms. 
• Proficiency with ECAD tools such as Siemens Capital, Zuken E3 series, AutoCAD Electrical, or equivalent. 
• Strong understanding of electrical distribution, grounding strategies, power management, and wiring design. 
• Experience developing wiring harness drawings, connector strategies, and electrical interface definitions. 
• Familiarity with Vector CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape, and electrical diagnostic tools. 
• Good understanding of electrical DFMEA, DVP&R, requirements management, and systems integration methodologies. 
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and technical problem-solving skills. 

 

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. 
• 3+ years of experience developing electrical systems, wiring designs, or electrical integration for automotive, commercial vehicle, or heavy-duty vehicle platforms. 
• 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 

• Experience contributing to vehicle electrical architecture or communication networks for production vehicle programs. 
• Experience supporting cross-functional electrical integration activities through prototype development, validation, or manufacturing launch. 
• Experience communicating technical requirements directly with suppliers and external engineering organizations. 
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), SysML, or architecture modeling tools. 
• Basic familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262), cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434), or ASPICE principles. 
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. 

 

WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO 

• Takes proactive ownership of technical challenges and works collaboratively to find solutions. 
• Is comfortable with evolving designs and enjoys building new technology from a clean sheet. 
• Operates with urgency while maintaining sound engineering judgment. 
• Thinks with a systems mindset, considering interfaces and long-term platform scalability. 
• Balances engineering rigor with manufacturing realities, supplier capabilities, and aggressive launch timing. 
• Collaborates effectively and builds strong working relationships across cross-functional teams and external partners. 

 

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 

  

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.

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