Mechanical Engineer – Powertrain & Structures
GILLIG · California
📍 Livermore, CA💰 $75,000 - $130,000via greenhousePosted 2026-06-22
Apply on company site ↗
CareerRiver pulls this listing straight from the employer's hiring system — no recruiter middleman, no reposts. Applying takes you directly to GILLIG.
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, troubleshooting 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 be responsible for assisting & supporting 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 Mechanical Engineer will have influence over vehicle, system, and component level design decisions in conjunction with more senior level engineers. Duties involve engineering assistance, problem resolution, mechanical design, BOM development, application research & other engineering duties in support of the manufacturing of heavy-duty transit buses. This person will have direct influence at the component level to optimize the piece parts. This is a direct, full-time position with GILLIG.
This is a hands-on, on-site role at our Livermore, CA plant and reports to the Structures & Powertrain Manager, but may also receive direction and guidance from senior engineers.
TECHNICAL FOCUS
Structures & Suspension
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. This position requires the ability to review customer specifications & requirements and deliver chassis & body structure designs as well as suspension, steering, and pneumatic brake systems that meet these needs. The Structures team has consistently been where Engineering mechanics, thermo-fluids, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) all collide.
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 & release vehicle components and assemblies receiving guidance from senior engineers as needed
Use analytical tools to assess your designs and others, including but not limited to stress, vibration, thermal performance, and durability
Process design releases including the General release of both Customer & Design REIs, which sometimes require input & involvement in follow-on processes such as Change Control, Production Change Order (PCO), and Engineered Production Change (EPC) release
Support designs throughout the entire lifecycle, including development, production launch, variant designs & customization, and field support
Work with the test engineer(s) to create DVP&R, execute the defined test plan and review the test results/reports
Provide engineering input for technical publications, such as service, parts, and driver manuals
Collaborate and iterate designs 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. Determine a course of action based on guidelines and modify processes and methods as required.
Time Management: Work productively to deliver projects on schedule and on budget. Solve production and/or manufacturing related issues expeditiously.
Communication: Collaborate up, down and across the organization to resolve mutual problems. Focus on providing standard professional advice and creating initial reports/analysis for review by experienced team members.
Complexity: Responsible for a certain set of commodities o
More California jobs
California jobs · Browse all locations