Senior Validation Engineer Jobs in Novi, MI (NOW HIRING)

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

The Senior Integration & Vehicle Architecture Engineer is the critical technical owner of vehicle-level integration and architecture definition across Blue Bird platforms. This role is responsible for establishing the structural, spatial, and functional framework that governs how all major vehicle systems interact, integrate, and perform. Operating at the intersection of chassis, body, powertrain, and electrical systems, this role drives critical architecture decisions that directly impact vehicle performance, manufacturability, cost and serviceability. This role requires a highly experienced engineer who can operate with autonomy, define structure in ambiguous environments, and lead cross-functional teams through complex technical trade-offs under aggressive timelines.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Vehicle Architecture Ownership: Define and own the vehicle architecture from a blank slate, establishing system boundaries, interfaces, and design rules that determine how the vehicle comes together.
• Packaging & Envelope Leadership: Own the full vehicle package and envelope, driving integration across all systems and resolving conflicts to deliver a manufacturable, serviceable, and high-performance design.
• New Platform Integration: Lead the integration of externally sourced assembly systems into Blue Bird platforms, defining how body, electrical, and propulsion systems interface in a production-ready architecture.
• DMU Ownership & Integration Governance: Own the Digital Mock-Up (DMU) process as the primary integration control, leading reviews, enforcing standards, and ensuring clash-free, build-ready designs before physical validation.
• Interface Definition & Control: Establish and manage system interfaces across all domains, ensuring clear ownership, compatibility, and traceability throughout development.
• Requirements Definition & Systems Structure: Create and own product and system requirements from the ground up, transforming loosely defined or legacy designs into clear, actionable frameworks that support rapid development and high-quality decision-making.
• System Trade-Offs & Decision Making: Drive trade-offs across performance, cost, weight, manufacturability, and serviceability. Make fast, high-quality decisions with incomplete information.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Align engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. Resolve conflicts with clear technical direction and accountability for outcomes.
• Vendor & Supplier Integration: Work directly with key vendors and suppliers to define requirements, resolve constraints, and ensure system compatibility.
• Prototype Through Production: Lead integration from prototype builds through launch, quickly diagnosing issues and driving practical, scalable solutions.
• Design for Build & Service: Ensure designs support efficient assembly, production scalability, and field serviceability.
• Operate in Ambiguity: Create structure where none exists. Define processes, drive execution, and deliver results in a fast-moving, evolving environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Deep understanding of vehicle system architecture and cross-domain integration (mechanical, electrical, thermal)
• Proven ability to resolve complex packaging and interface challenges across multiple systems
• Strong decision-making capability in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with competing priorities
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams without formal authority
• Experience working with external Tier 1s, vendors and suppliers in a technical integration capacity.
• Proficiency in CAD/PLM tools (e.g., CATIA) for layout, sectioning, and integration validation.
• Working knowledge of DFMEA and design for manufacturability/serviceability principles.
• Demonstrated experience in vehicle integration, system architecture, or platform development at a vehicle platform level.
• Proven experience owning complex packaging and integration challenges across multiple vehicle systems
• Experience supporting programs through prototype builds and production launch.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, automotive, or systems engineering.
• 5+ years in automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturing, with a focus on product design or component packaging.
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Experience with body-on-chassis or stripped chassis vehicle platforms in commercial or medium-duty applications
• Experience integrating externally sourced large assemblies or working with incomplete vehicle OEMs.
• Background in defining or rebuilding product and system requirements in low-structure environments.
• Experience developing and managing system-level artifacts (e.g., interface definitions, architecture models).
• Advanced degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience in electric or alternative powertrain vehicle integration (HV systems, batteries, thermal).

WE VALUE

• Takes ownership of complex problems and drives them to resolution without waiting for direction.
• Thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments where structure is limited and expectations are high.
• Thinks in systems and trade-offs, not just components or subsystems.
• Has the confidence to make decisions with incomplete information and stand behind them.
• Can influence and align cross-functional teams without formal authority.
• Balances speed with sound engineering judgment, knowing when to push forward and when to go deeper.
• Wants to build and shape something meaningful, not just maintain existing systems.

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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