Supervisor, Customer Engineering (Mechanical)

Company: GILLIG
Location: Livermore
Posted on: May 11, 2022

Job Description:

GILLIG LLC is the largest and most dependable manufacturer of Heavy-Duty Transit Buses in North America. Our customers are in all 50 states, and include cities, counties, transit districts, universities and major private fleet operators. We are headquartered in Livermore, CA.

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Supervisor in Engineering, you will directly lead a staff of contributors who develop designs, create procurement-ready drawings, manufacturing-ready installation guidelines, and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs). This position is responsible for on-going communication to management, the alignment & prioritization of the group's workload, overseeing the team's technical deliverables, and resource planning to ensure meeting company targets.

Our engineering organization is comprised of three primary departments: Current Product Engineering (CPE), New Product Engineering (NPE) and, Product Validation. There are two groups within CPE, Customer Engineering and Sustaining Engineering.

The mission of the Customer Engineering group is to define robust fleet-specific customization required for each of our customers' operational needs. Customer Engineering has technical responsibility from the initial bid through vehicle delivery; encompassing bid team support, translation of requested features into parts and functionality, design & release of components/installations, validation support, and implementation into production.

As Supervisor, Customer Engineering, you are a key leader in our Current Product organization. In the Customer Engineering group, you will lead a team of 6-10 talented engineers whose focus is to design GILLIG components as well as integrate supplier components for our current GILLIG products in one of the following areas: Powertrain, Structures, Body Attachments, Driver Interior, or Passenger Interior.

In addition to leading a devoted team, you will be expected to be a hands-on technical expert for your respective area and work alongside your team developing design solutions. Your technical responsibility for the group will be reviewing completed Requests for Engineering Information (REIs), providing technical guidance & mentoring, and ensuring we are meeting GILLIG's high standards for quality.

The Engineering Supervisor for Powertrain, Structures, Body Attachments, Driver Interior, and Passenger Interior , reports to the Engineering Manager, located on-site at our headquarters in Livermore.

TECHNICAL FOCUS:

For Powertrain:

Proven ability to review customer specifications and requirements and provide input on powertrain-related configurations and applications which assist in the design of the particular customer configuration, typically in areas of customized cooling system requirements, engine compartment option content, and fire suppression system behavior.

For Structures:

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. The Structures group has consistently been where Engineering mechanics, thermo-fluids, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) all collide.

For Body Attachments:

Experience with integration of supplier components is critical to the exterior of the bus. Exterior windows/glazing, mirrors, entrance & exit doors, cameras, overhead charging electronics and bike racks are typical areas of emphasis. As well as a strong integration background, you will also exercise your design expertise with the various fabricated sheet metal components that make up the exterior of the bus. Additional familiarity with open mold fiberglass and/or thermoformed plastics is highly desirable to take on the front & rear fascia and roof-mounted fairing systems.

For Driver Interior:

Within the Driver's Interior, design work includes both design of GILLIG components as well as integration supplier components. The dominant areas of design and integration include Driver Seating, Driver Dash Layout & Overhead Controls, Driver Partitions/Barriers, Fare Collection, and Wheel Well Equipment Stowage. Familiarity with Driver Ergonomics and/or ADA compliance standards is highly desirable.

For Passenger Interior:

Design work in the Passenger Interior includes both design of GILLIG components as well as integration supplier components. This area of the bus typically sees focus in the areas of Passenger Seating Configurations, ADA Seating & Wheelchair Restraint options, Stanchion Pole and Grabrails Layouts, Floor & Floor Covering Layouts, as well as HVAC performance, plumbing, and auxiliary heating configurations. Familiarity or experience with ADA and/or HVAC systems (commercial, residential, or vehicle) is highly desirable. A balanced engineering skill set, consisting of solid design abilities, thermo-fluids/HVAC, and systems engineering is well suited for the Passenger Interior.

JOB RESPONSIBLITES:
Review design work to ensure designs meet all requirements and are documented properly
Ensure Bill of Materials (BOM) are created and maintained along with all project documentation
Analyze customer requests and map requirements onto existing designs when possible, and/or develop new designs when needed
Work with internal and external business partners to drive integration of key technologies, including understanding and identifying challenges, implications, and conflicts with integrating new offerings into an established product line
Pursues cross-functional feedback during the product development phase of design projects to ensure requirements are identified and incorporated which include performance, regulatory, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability
Conduct FMEAs and provide feedback for the development of DVP&R or necessary test plans
Coordinate and manage the execution of prototype builds, testing, review, prototype order and procurement
Participate and influence the Change Control process to introduce new designs into production
Provide technical design support to cross-functional business partners as needed
Lead root cause analysis on production shortages, field service, and quality issues
Responsible for continuous improvement of team's performance through active coaching, training, mentoring, and development planning
Interview and hire new staff; plan, prioritize, assign and review work, and approves time off for payroll purposes
Key stakeholder for development and improvement of standardized processes within the CPE group as well as individual engineering team
Assist in other Engineering and HR activities as required (Hiring, Vacation approvals, etc.)

ABOUT YOU:
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or Physics required
Minimum 8 years of Engineering experience, including 4+ years of Design Engineering experience. Leadership/Management/Supervisory experience is a plus
Sound engineering fundamentals and ability to perform basic engineering calculations.
Basic fluency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
Can explain and coach others in simple structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for parts and small assemblies
Detailed knowledge and application of industry practices and standards (SAE, APTA, FMVSS, etc.)
Experience with automotive mechanical systems and functions and ability to read and produce mechanical drawings
Knowledge of typical manufacturing processes and the tolerances associated with sheet metal, machined, fiberglass, and molded parts
Understanding of Heavy-Duty Transit Bus duty cycle
Proven ability to effectively communicate technical engineering topics to non-technical peers
Desire to collaborate and problem solve, making recommendations or decisions
Personal drive to maintain our industry-leading products, create new ones, and mentor your direct reports to do the same
Affinity for a fast-paced environment with complex product content

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT:
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Less than 10% travel
Working environment is primarily indoors (office and production environment), however, at times job may require time spent outdoors
Regularly required to sit, stand and walk and occasionally kneel or squat
Typical start time 6:00AM (negotiable)

About Us

After 130 years, GILLIG holds strong to its family values and focus on its employees and customers. Our motivated and dedicated employees have a passion for quality and customer satisfaction.

We are committed to building buses that connect communities, eliminate congestion, and contribute to a greener environment.

Our Company pride is exemplified by the thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship present in every GILLIG bus. GILLIG's steadfast focus on quality and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service sets us apart from our competition.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, GILLIG has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards in which the company operates. Drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of GILLIG employees and to the security of the company's equipment and facilities.

For these reasons, GILLIG is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace. All applicants must pass a drug test before beginning work.

GILLIG offers an excellent compensation and benefits package including 100% company-paid premiums for medical, dental and vision for employees and their families. Other benefits include a unique 401k profit-sharing plan.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

#ZR

Keywords: GILLIG, Livermore , Supervisor, Customer Engineering (Mechanical), Engineering , Livermore, California