Senior Systems Engineer I (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

Each Systems Engineer will be responsible to collaborate with cross-functional teams including Electrical, Mechanical, Validation, and Controls to drive system architecture and solution throughout the development life cycle. In addition, they will ensure the overall designs consistently meet the program’s functional, performance, and regulatory requirements.

These individuals will also be the engineering “face” of new product programs and cross-functionally collaborate with program managers and external partners at every turn of the program to provide technical status and to make sure the design is harmonized with the requirements. Communication and technical-translation skills are paramount for these individuals. Assignments are broad in scope and highly complex that require a mix of systems and solutions engineering capabilities and the ability to drive initiatives across internal and external organizations.

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Our engineering organization is comprised of three primary departments: Current Product Engineering (CPE), New Product Engineering (NPE) and, Product Validation. The New Product Engineering (NPE) Department is focused on developing the next generation of GILLIG products and major upgrades to our existing product line. These efforts focus primarily on:

• Zero-Emission powertrains
• Major quality improvements
• Major cost reduction, maintainability and product stability improvements

The Systems Engineering team is at the heart of the New Product Engineering (NPE) Department. This team is responsible for defining the vehicle and system requirements for all new products; and to follow through with each program from start to finish to make sure the requirements are met. We’re looking for four Systems Engineers who have a strong technical background from the Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, or Thermal domains to be the corner stones of this growing team.

There are currently four separate vacancies, each reporting to the Systems Engineering Supervisor. Each of these four roles will be responsible to breakdown the program’s objectives, determine shortfalls, evaluate trade-offs and conceptualize solutions. These positions will be focused on the big picture of a program and be the authors of major systems requirements as well as the vehicle requirements. Each of the four (4) individuals we are looking for will have expertise in one or more of the following technical areas in addition to their comprehensive vehicle and program capabilities:

• Control Systems: which includes integrating major vehicle systems such as powertrain, HVAC, cooling and safety systems, software and hardware design and testing experience, algorithm design and, ideally, PLC ladder logic or structured text programming

• Electrical Systems: which includes high-voltage and low voltage power distribution, vehicle harness design, circuit protection, electrical device selection such as lamps, motors, sensors and actuators

• Mechanical Systems: which includes understanding of structural design of chassis and suspensions, understanding of braking, steering and suspension systems, capability in sheet metal design, welded and bolted structures

• Thermal Systems: which includes powertrain cooling systems, HVAC systems, battery thermal management systems, passenger heating systems, vehicle cooling performance, pneumatic and hydraulic systems and system optimization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 5 years of Systems Engineering experience or equivalent
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to drive a project from the concept phase to completion
• Experienced with system engineering design strategies and techniques with the capability to break down the program into clear requirements
• Fluency in DFMEA to develop program design strategy, program testing plans, functional safety and failure reactions
• Comfortable communicating and negotiating trade-offs and technical concepts for all vehicle systems including Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal and other systems
• Experience collaborating with Program Managers and other cross-functional teams such as Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Quality
• Expert knowledge of heavy-duty vehicles and industry standards, regulations, and guidelines such as FMVSS, ADA, APTA Bus Procurement Guidelines, SAE HD vehicle standards, NFPA, and NEC MATLAB, Simulink, and State flowchart
• Experienced with high voltage systems such as DC/DC convertors, DC motors and inverters, Li-ion batteries, high-power chargers and safety interlocks.
• Experience in a vehicle manufacturing environment

WORK 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.