Prin Automation Engineer

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems (AR,ME,NE,OH,VT); Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards package including healthcare and retirement benefits

Career development programs

Recognition programs

Job summary

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems seeks a Prin Automation Engineer in Lincoln, Nebraska. The role involves developing, designing, and testing automation equipment, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has an Associate's Degree and 8-10 years of experience in engineering, with proficiency in PLC and HMI systems. This full-time position includes responsibilities like programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing processes for enhanced automation.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in automation engineering.
• Proficient in PLC and HMI systems.
• Strong background in technical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test industrial automation equipment.
• Design automated systems integrating mobility and communication.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams for automation projects.

Skills

Technical expertise

Problem-solving skills

Oral and written communication skills

Critical thinking

Process optimization

Education

Associate's Degree in Engineering

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLC

HMI

CNC Programming

Robotics

Job description

Prin Automation Engineer

Job Locations: US-NE-Lincoln

Requisition ID: 2026-36296
Position Type: Full Time
Position Classification: On-Site
Job Function: Engineering

Company Overview

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters. Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Job Summary

Develops, designs, builds and tests industrial automation equipment platforms from prototype through product commercialization. Creates an integrated autonomous interface, mobility, communication, and human-automation equipment interaction. Works with cross-functional teams to understand opportunities for automation applications. For assigned automation projects the Automation Engineer will work to define the problem statement and technical requirements, coordinate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to determine an appropriate technical solution and oversee the development and implementation of the solution. Lead the development of new equipment specifications, supplier selection, quote reviews and technical support through design, installation, and verification activities.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

• Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

• Uses engineering techniques to design, develop, test, and manage automated machinery processes.
• Designs and implements programs that simulate, optimize, and test automated machinery that streamline manufacturing processes.
• Uses advanced design techniques to build automated systems such as: measurement functions, control functions, and actuators, etc.
• Configures systems using PLC and HMI techniques.
• Considers automation workflow, production layout, and safety measures when designing automated machinery processes.
• Audits current equipment and automated processes to determine failure rates.
• Models, tests, and measures output and data to analyze performance or quality issues
• Develops and leads solutions to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, and minimize cost.
• Drafts and designs detailed technical documentation for design specifications and additional relevant documents.
• Adheres to international and local regulatory standards while driving continuous improvement for design, process, and safety considerations.

Additional Responsibilities

• PLC and HMI programming
• CNC Programming
• Robotics design or programming
• Laser and or Vision Inspection Systems
• Industrial Hydraulic or Pneumatic systems

Required Qualifications

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience
• Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Technical expertise. Problem-solving skills. Oral and written communication skills. Critical thinking. Analytical thinking. Instrument control. Performance analysis. Power management. Process optimization. Reliability analysis. Schematic capture. Statistical process control. Technical troubleshooting. Control systems. Device integration. SCADA architecture. Programmable Logic Control (PLC). Human Machine Interface (HMI). Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Travel Requirements

Up to 25% travel likely.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at‑will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.