Field Service Trainer

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 Customer Care at GILLIG is a fully integrated post-delivery organization focused on protecting fleet uptime, reinforcing vehicle reliability, and strengthening long-term agency partnerships. The department owns the customer relationship after delivery by providing a service experience defined by speed, quality, and accountability, ensuring customers experience GILLIG as a unified partner committed to sustained fleet performance. Through a coordinated support model, Customer Care delivers lifecycle support across Field Service, Technical Product Support, Warranty Operations, and Technical Training—aligned by a central Customer Advocacy function that ensures consistent communication and relationship continuity. Together, these teams provide responsive field and remote support, structured warranty administration, and standardized training to enable customers to confidently operate and maintain their fleets while driving continuous product and service improvement. ABOUT THE ROLE The Field Service Trainer is a customer-facing role responsible for delivering high-quality technical training that enables transit agencies to safely operate, maintain, and diagnose GILLIG vehicles. Reporting to the Supervisor of Technical Training, this role focuses on training delivery, field engagement, and customer readiness, ensuring technicians are equipped to maximize vehicle uptime and performance. As a direct extension of GILLIG’s Customer Care organization, the Field Service Trainer serves as both an instructor and a trusted advisor, reinforcing best practices, identifying skill gaps, and supporting continuous improvement in the field. This role operates primarily at customer locations and in real-world service environments, applying hands-on expertise to bridge the gap between training content and practical application. Field Service Trainers collaborate closely with Instructional Design, Engineering, Field Service, and Technical Support to ensure training delivery aligns with current product configurations, service expectations, and operational realities. While this role contributes feedback to improving training materials, ownership of curriculum development and structure resides within the Instructional Design team. IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL Deliver instructor-led and hands-on technical training at customer locations, GILLIG facilities, and in field environments, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction aligned to standardized curriculum Facilitate training across mechanical, electrical, and high-voltage systems, reinforcing safe work practices and proper diagnostic procedures Lead practical, shop-based exercises focused on troubleshooting, repair processes, and real-world application of service documentation Serve as the primary customer point of contact during training engagements, managing communication, coordination, and overall training experience Act as a GILLIG brand ambassador, building strong relationships with customers and reinforcing confidence in GILLIG products and support Identify technician skill gaps, operational challenges, and training needs, providing structured feedback to improve training programs and field support strategies Support field service activities as needed, including diagnostics, troubleshooting, and collaboration with FSRs to resolve complex issues Reinforce the use of service manuals, schematics, diagnostic tools, and software systems to drive consistency and efficiency in maintenance practices Promote adoption of GILLIG training programs, tools, and resources, identifying opportunities for additional training and customer support Maintain technical proficiency across GILLIG vehicle systems, including new and emerging technologies such as zero-emission and high-voltage platforms Document training activities, customer interactions, and key insights to support reporting, continuous improvement, and cross-functional alignment Partner with Instructional Design and internal teams by providing real-world feedback to improve training content and delivery effectiveness Travel extensively to customer sites across the U.S. to support training delivery and field engagement BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in a related Engineering field preferred, or the equivalent technical experience Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Commercial Vehicle Industry, preferably transit buses Extensive knowledge of the GILLIG bus both mechanically and electrically Ability to read engineering drawings and electrical schematics Strategic mindset with excellent written and verbal communication skills Proven ability to use Telematics and/or a comprehensive suite of computer software/tools to accurately diagnose vehicle issues Comprehensive computer skills and working knowledge of Salesforce is ideal Strong experience in problem solving techniques and documentation of corrective action plans Goal oriented and able to motivate and positively influence customers’ perception of GILLIG product quality Ability to express ideas and knowledge to journeyman mechanics in a classroom setting Commercial Driver License (or agree to obtain within 6 months of employment) WORK ENVIRONMENT Ability to lift 50 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 The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in production, shop, or field environments. Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc. Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.) 70-80% Travel Required; primarily within assigned regional territory, with flexibility to support training engagements across the United States as business needs require Standard start time: 7:00am (negotiable) EXPECTED COMPENSATION $75,000 - $105,000/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 Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate 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. GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.