Technical Project Manager

Location Blue Bird Fort Valley 402 Blue Bird Blvd Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA Overview 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. JOB SUMMARY The Technical Project Manager (TPM) provides critical operational and technical leadership for major engineering programs, particularly within our EV and powertrain divisions. You will act as the "glue" between technical engineering, program management, manufacturing, quality and other business stakeholders, ensuring that complex R&D and manufacturing projects stay on schedule, within budget, and aligned with company strategy. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Project Leadership: Manage end-to-end project lifecycles for engineering initiatives, including mechanical systems, EV powertrains, and manufacturing improvements. Planning & Scheduling: Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and timing plans using Microsoft Project and other tracking tools; manage critical paths to ensure timely completion. Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Vendors to identify resource needs and resolve technical bottlenecks. Documentation & Compliance: Oversee the Product Development System (PDS) adherence; draft Statements of Work (SOW) and maintain centralized archives for technical documentation. Risk & Budget Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks; track project deliverables against cost, timing, and quality goals. Communication: Prepare status reports and present technical progress during executive "Gate Reviews" and management updates. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS Automotive Engineering Acumen: Deep understanding of vehicle systems, including chassis, body‑on‑frame construction, and powertrain integration. Knowledge of high‑voltage battery systems and electric drivetrain architecture is highly valued. Systems Thinking: Ability to understand how a change in one subsystem (e.g., electrical) impacts other components (e.g., thermal management or structural integrity) within the bus architecture. Advanced Scheduling & Planning: Mastery of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and the ability to manage complex dependencies in a multi‑stage manufacturing environment. Regulatory & Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and environmental regulations (EPA/CARB) to ensure all engineering projects meet strict legal requirements. Strategic Problem Solving: A "first‑principles" approach to troubleshooting; the ability to identify the root cause of technical delay and pivot resources effectively without compromising quality. Data‑Driven Decision Making: Skill in interpreting engineering data, CAD models, and financial reports to provide clear, actionable recommendations to executive leadership. Collaborative Influence: The "soft power" to lead cross‑functional teams (Design, Supply Chain, Production) toward a common goal, even when team members do not report to you directly. Agility & Adaptability: Resilience in a fast‑paced R&D environment, with the capacity to manage shifting priorities as new technologies and market demands emerge. Technical Skills: Proficiency with project management tools; familiarity with FMVSS and other safety standards is a plus. Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, excellent interpersonal skills to handle sensitive matters, and the ability to communicate complex details clearly to non‑technical stakeholders. BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. 3+ years of technical project/program management experience, preferably in automotive or heavy manufacturing environments. All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. WE VALUE 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. INCLUDES Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401(k) matching. WORK CONDITIONS Office environment based with production environment on a regular basis. Must be able to 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr