Blue Bird Corporation · 18 hours ago
Automation Engineer, Equipment Process
Fort Valley, GA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expBlue Bird Corporation is a technology leader and innovator of school buses, recognized for its commitment to safety and cleaner energy solutions. The Automation Engineer will deliver and sustain automated manufacturing equipment and processes, focusing on performance, reliability, and collaboration across various teams to ensure quality and efficiency in production.
Consumer GoodsManufacturingAutomotiveConsumer
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, specify, program, and commission automated manufacturing equipment, including:
Define and validate equipment capability (Cp/Cpk, OEE, MTBF, MTTR) to ensure systems meet production and quality requirements
Lead equipment buy‑off activities, including FAT, SAT, and Run‑at‑Rate support
Translate product and process requirements into automation solutions that are repeatable, stable, scalable, and maintainable
Develop and validate process windows and settings within automated equipment to ensure consistent output across shifts and lots
Identify automation-driven risks and implement mitigation (poka-yoke, interlocks, detection/verification, alarms) to protect quality and safety
Support continuous improvement initiatives targeting yield, cycle time, scrap reduction, and labor efficiency
Support start‑up, ramp, and high‑volume production through hands‑on troubleshooting and optimization
Partner with Maintenance to develop:
Drive corrective actions for chronic equipment or process issues
Support modifications and retrofits driven by process changes, cost reduction, or obsolescence
Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Maintenance throughout equipment development and deployment
Manage automation suppliers and integrators for technical scope definition, deliverables, timelines, and performance accountability (as assigned)
Support PFMEA/DFMEA contributions, control plan development, and quality audits related to automated processes
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related)
5+ years of experience in industrial automation within a manufacturing environment
All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Strong understanding of automated equipment capability and manufacturing process control, including Cp/Cpk, OEE, MTBF, and MTTR
Experience supporting or commissioning industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa) and integrating with equipment/process requirements
Proficiency troubleshooting control systems and complex electromechanical systems in a production environment
Experience integrating or supporting vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) and automated detection/verification strategies
Working knowledge of functional safety concepts and applicable standards (ANSI/ISO/OSHA and internal safety requirements)
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles; ability to apply structured problem-solving methods
Strong systems-level thinking with focus on equipment-process interaction and sustainable countermeasures
Clear technical communication with operators, engineers, maintenance teams, and suppliers/integrators; results-oriented mindset
Preferred
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
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision insurance
14 paid holidays
Vacation time
401k matching
Company
Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$196.9MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2024-07-11Grant· $80M
2023-09-11Post Ipo Secondary· $52.5M
2022-11-28Post Ipo Debt· $60M
Leadership Team
John Wyskiel
President & CEO
Recent News
Business Wire
2026-02-05
Business Wire
2025-12-29
Company data provided by crunchbase