Mechanical Engineer - Interiors

Company Overview 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, eliminate congestion, and contribute 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 We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who will assist and support more senior level engineers on various functions relating to transit bus design and is focused on the design and industrialization of content for GILLIG’s continuously evolving product line. The role involves influencing vehicle, system, and component‑level design decisions, engineering assistance, problem resolution, BOM development, application research, and other duties in support of the manufacturing of heavy‑duty transit buses. This is a hands‑on, on‑site role at our Livermore, CA plant and reports to the Interiors Manager. Technical Focus: Interiors The Interior Engineering team designs and integrates both GILLIG and supplier components into driver and passenger areas of our highly customized buses. Duties include creating seating layouts, ADA seating and wheelchair restraint options, stanchion pole and grabrail layouts, floor and floor covering configurations, and crafting customized driver cockpits, dash layouts, driver safety barriers, fare collection systems, and interior stowage. Familiarity with ADA compliance standards and driver ergonomics is highly valuable. In This Role You Will Create and maintain Bill of Materials (BOM), defining appropriate applications of parts and assembly. Gather information regarding supplier components, existing GILLIG designs, and technological advancements to rationalize and optimize design concepts. Partner with the team to develop a course of action based on guidelines and modify processes and methods as required. Use 2D and 3D CAD tools to create, review, and release vehicle components and assemblies under guidance from senior engineers. Use analytical tools to assess designs, including stress, vibration, thermal performance, and durability. Process design releases, including General release of both Customer & Design REIs, and support follow‑on processes such as Change Control, Production Change Order (PCO), and Engineered Production Change (EPC). Support designs throughout the entire lifecycle: development, production launch, variant designs, customization, and field support. Work with test engineers to create DVP&R, execute the defined test plan, and review test results. Provide engineering input for technical publications, such as service, parts, and driver manuals. Collaborate with cross‑functional partners such as electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers. Scope of the Role Autonomy: Ability to work with little instruction on day‑to‑day work, receiving general instruction on new assignments from senior engineers or the group manager. Technically Minded: Apply industry practices and standards (NFPA, NEC, APTA, etc.). Exhibit professional expertise, applying design standards, best practices, and company procedures to resolve a variety of issues. Time Management: Work productively to deliver projects on schedule and on budget, solving production and/or manufacturing related issues expeditiously. Communication: Collaborate up, down and across the organization to resolve mutual problems and provide professional advice and reports for review. Complexity: Manage a certain set of commodities or design elements within the team, tackling moderate to complex problems that require comprehensive analysis. Quality & Standards: Ensure drawings and technical documentation are accurate and complete; released designs are cost‑effective, manufacturable, serviceable, and meet performance objectives and customer requirements. Basic Qualifications Bachelor or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering. Minimum 2 years of experience within the engineering industry. Automotive, commercial, and/or heavy‑duty vehicle design familiarity; direct experience a plus. Familiarity with BOM management. Fluency in CAD software such as NX, CREO, or SolidWorks. Experience working with component suppliers, engineering service suppliers, testing suppliers, and product validation engineers. Experience in design for manufacturing (DFM), design for service (DFS), and value engineering. Hands‑on troubleshooting, product assembly, prototyping, testing, and validation experience. Proven ability to design and develop complete interior systems, including seats, door trims, instrument panels, headliners, and other interior trims. Working level understanding of ADA and relevant safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Previous experience researching, selecting, and specifying interior components from internal and external suppliers. Work Environment 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. Must be able to navigate a manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc. Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection). Limited travel may be required. Compensation $75,000 – $130,000 annual salary plus premium benefits. Pay offered may vary depending on market location, job classification, related knowledge, skills, and experience. Equal Employment Opportunity GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. GILLIG is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. No discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gillig