Mechanical Fastening & Joining Engineer

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.

The Fastening & Joining Engineer leads the evaluation, optimization, and modernization of all mechanical joining designs and methods across Blue Bird buses. This role bridges design and manufacturing engineering to drive cost reductions, eliminate leaks, minimize assembly labor, and maximize vehicle durability. The successful candidate serves as the company’s subject matter expert on fastening technologies, overseeing regulatory compliance, standardizing component catalogs, and establishing robust engineering guidelines. Additionally, this position champions innovation by introducing advanced joining methods, including structural adhesives, while providing hands-on troubleshooting and technical mentorship to peer engineering teams.

• →Evaluate current mechanical joining designs to optimize functionality and performance.
• →Lead implementation of new fastening and joining methods with engineering teams.
• →Identify design improvements to decrease material costs and assembly labor.
• →Standardize joints to eliminate leaks and improve overall bus durability.
• →Maintain all required FMVSS 221 compliance documentation for the company.
• →Organize and maintain a comprehensive catalog of current fastening components.
• →Author technical specifications and standards for new fastening and joining methods.
• →Create corporate guidelines for mechanical joints, clamp loads, and thread engagements.
• →Define precise torque specifications and robust error-proofing strategies for production.
• →Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues or field failures related to fasteners.
• →Provide ongoing engineering support and technical guidance to peer engineers.
• →Participate in cross-functional design reviews to ensure best practices are utilized.
• →Champion the introduction of structural adhesives to replace traditional mechanical fasteners.

• The candidate shall have demonstrated experience with all types of metal and composite joining methods including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and various welding techniques.
• Excellent written and oral technical communication skills to communicate effectively with team members, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure project goals are met.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Eagerness to contribute and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with CAD (e.g., CATIA V6), torque control software (e.g., Atlas Copco Tools Talk), and data acquisition/MES tracking systems
• Problem-solving abilities to identify the root cause of joint failures or fastener degradation

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Materials Science Engineering from an accredited university.
• 5+ years of experience in an automotive or aerospace manufacturing company that requires a wide variety of fastening and joining solutions.
• 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.

• 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 to help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k 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
• 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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