Senior Manager, Advanced Development Engineering (NPE)

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

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced Engineering leader who desires to play a key role on a winning organization, is passionate about building and leading a great team, and has an unrelenting drive for excellence.

The Senior Manager Advanced Development is a new role within the New Product Engineering (NPE) Department. The mission of the NPE Department is to develop the next generation of GILLIG products and major upgrades to our existing product line.  In this role, you will lead a new team within the engineering organization and will report up to the Senior Director of NPE. The Advanced Development Engineering team will engage in research that develops new knowledge, technology, materials, and processes and then applies those learnings to practical innovation, continuous improvement, processes or services that provide added value to the product or organization. Advanced Development Engineering is responsible for all aspects of vehicle technology development and provides the technical bridge between the innovation process and the new product development phases of a project. 

As the Senior Manager Advanced Development, you will have ownership in building the Advanced Development team from the ground up including all staffing (a group of approximately 15 multi-disciplinary engineers) and governance. You will develop Industry and Academic relations and be the point contact with our corporate Research and Innovation Center to accelerate technology and product development.  You will be a critical strategic partner providing technical support to Product Planning to build out technology and product roadmaps.

A successful candidate will possess strong leadership and change management skills and thrives in a collaborative dynamic environment.  You will be responsible for developing and setting strategies and objectives for your team supporting company and departmental goals. You will lead research in technology trends and combined with a deep understanding of GILLIG product and processes, have the vision to see the applications and opportunities to solve technical challenges. Deliverables in your AdvDev projects would include evaluation of multiple potential solutions, selection of the path with highest potential for commercialization, feasibility demonstrations through models, mockups and prototypes, risk review and then transition the project to the operative engineering team for industrialization.  Your programs will drive improvements into the GILLIG product that will enhance safety, improve the user experience, reduce cost and at environmental and societal levels contribute to reduced traffic, pollution, and improved mobility for all.    

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• BSEE or BSME required, MS preferred
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience
• 5+ years of experience managing small to mid-sized (20) design/development engineering staff
• 5+ years of “hands-on” experience in Advanced Programs including component/systems/vehicle level trade studies, architecture development, and system engineering to produce credible conceptual and preliminary designs that meet performance, cost, schedule, and risk thresholds
• Experience with digital design and modeling, and simulation tools and processes
• Experience solving real world problems with controls and electrical systems
• Expert communication skills to lead and influence
• Experience with change management and ability to navigate those challenges to optimize the organization
• Expert knowledge of heavy-duty vehicle industry standards, regulations, and guidelines such as FMVSS, ADA, APTA Bus Procurement Guidelines, SAE HD vehicle standards, NFPA, NEC, IEEE, NEMA
• You have an affinity towards working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to lift 25 lbs. 
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat
• Limited travel may be required
• Standard start time 6:00AM (negotiable)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $275,000/annual salary + premium benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.