Staff Mechanical Engineer- Structures and Suspension

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

GILLIG Engineering is responsible for the development, customization, and configuration of GILLIG’s clean technology heavy-duty transit buses.  We are committed to developing the most reliable buses that connect communities, eliminates congestion, and contributes to a greener environment.  Our engineers are engaged in designing, analyzing, testing, launching, and problem solving across a wide range of technical areas. 

Mechanical Engineering is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing mechanical systems and components, such as chassis, HVAC, interior layout, and powertrain integration to ensure safety, durability, and performance. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet regulatory standards, troubleshoot issues during production, and ensure cost-effective and efficient designs tailored to the needs of heavy-duty transit buses.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Staff Mechanical Engineer is a thought leader in the design and industrialization of major new content for GILLIG’s continuously evolving product line. The Staff Mechanical Engineer will have direct influence over vehicle, system, and component level design decisions providing thought leadership and working on broader organization projects, which requires understanding of the full mechanics of the bus and the wider business. This is a direct, full-time position with GILLIG.

This is a hands-on, on-site role at our Livermore, CA plant and reports to the Manager of Structures and Powertrain.

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Limited travel may be required
• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.)
• Typical start time is between 5:00 – 7:30AM (negotiable)

The GILLIG bus consists of many welded, bolted, and riveted joints that make up the primary structural elements of the bus. Fluent knowledge of sheet metal design from component to assembly, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum fabrications, extrusions, and castings is a typical daily demand. Along with the structural aspect of the bus, the vehicle’s suspension, steering, braking, and pneumatic systems are integral to this group. This position requires the ability to review customer specifications & requirements and deliver chassis & body structure designs as well as suspension, steering, and pneumatic brake systems that meet these needs. The Structures team has consistently been where Engineering mechanics, thermo-fluids, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) all collide.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in design, development, and optimization of vehicle structures, focusing on weight reduction, stiffness enhancement, and crash safety
• Ability to perform basic finite element analysis (FEA) to predict structural performance under various loading conditions (static and dynamic)
• Prior experience developing suspension kinematics and compliance models
• Exposure to utilization of simulations to predict ride and handling performance
• Working knowledge of suspension geometry and component parameters selection to meet target performance requirements

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Gather information regarding supplier components, existing GILLIG designs and technological advancements to rationalize and optimize design concepts
• Play a lead role in interpreting customer re