Future Leader Development Associate, Engineering

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 Future Leadership Development Program (FLDP) Associate, Engineering is an early-career leadership role designed to accelerate the development of high-potential talent through a structured, cross-functional rotational program.

 

This two-year program includes four 6-month rotations across your specific functional area, and one rotation in a different key business area, providing hands-on experience, leadership exposure, and the opportunity to solve real business challenges that impact Blue Bird’s operations and strategic growth.

 

FLDP Associates are expected to contribute meaningfully from day one, supporting projects, collaborating across functions, and building the foundational skills required to transition into full-time leadership-track roles upon program completion.

 

Rotation Design

• Core rotations in your designated function (e.g., HR, Finance, IT, Engineering, Operations)
• At least one cross-functional rotation outside of primary discipline
• Exposure to plant operations and/or corporate functions as applicable
• Final placement based on performance, business need, and career alignment

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support high-impact business projects and initiatives
• Rotate across multiple functions to gain enterprise-wide perspective
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve real-world business challenges
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership
• Participate in structured learning, mentorship, and leadership development

 

Functional Responsibilities – Engineering

• Support engineering initiatives related to product development, design improvement, validation, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with technical projects that improve product performance, safety, quality, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Participate in problem-solving efforts by analyzing data, identifying root causes, and helping develop practical solutions to engineering or production-related challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, quality, supply chain, and product management to support business and customer needs.
• Contribute to testing, documentation, design reviews, process validation, and engineering change activities as applicable to assigned rotations.
• Gain exposure to the full product and manufacturing lifecycle while supporting innovation and operational excellence initiatives.

 

Leadership Development Components

• Executive sponsorship and mentorship
• Rotation-specific coaching and performance feedback
• Structured leadership training (e.g., Emerging Leader programs)
• Cross-functional project work and enterprise exposure
• Final capstone project and presentation to Leadership Team

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field
• 0–2 years of professional experience or completion of relevant internship
• Strong academic performance (preferred GPA ≥ 3.0)

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Prior internship experience, ideally within Blue Bird or relevant industry
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, or industrial environment

 

OUR VALED CORE COMPETENCIES

• Drive for Results – Takes ownership and delivers outcomes
• Learning Agility – Quickly adapts and applies new knowledge
• Effective Communicator – Clearly conveys ideas across audiences
• Collaborates – Works effectively across teams and functions
• Customer