Prin Materials Engineer

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems (AR,ME,NE,OH,VT); Saco (ME); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gain Sharing Program

Job summary

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) in ME is seeking a Principal Materials Engineer to design, develop, and optimize materials for hardware and electronic components. The role involves selecting materials, evaluating reliability, and documenting processing methods for manufacturing.

Strong analytical and communication skills are essential. The position is on-site in Saco, with travel less than 25%.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree and 8–10 years of experience.
• Engineering degree required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Applies engineering techniques to create, develop and experiment with various materials that are used in industry to create products.
• Analyzes and examines materials (plastics, metals, ceramics, composites) and conducts microscopic assessments to guide production.
• Helps solve manufacturing process problems arising from different materials and production methods.
• Tests and ensures products comply with national and international standards and quality requirements.
• Advises on the most efficient materials to purchase and suggests energy-saving material choices.

Skills

Materials engineering

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Computer simulation

CAE software

Oral and written communication

Education

Associate's Degree in Engineering

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Locations

US-ME-Saco

Position Details

• Requisition ID: 2026-36804
• 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

The Principal Materials Engineer designs, develops and modifies processes and methods for the manufacture, molding and utilization of metallic, plastic, composite and other materials in construction and production of hardware, electronic components and structures. Determines design approaches and parameters. Analyzes materials and material components to establish operating data, conducts experimental tests and evaluates results. Selects materials for inclusion in products based on analysis of specifications and reliability. Completes documentation and procedures for processing, testing and use of materials.

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

• Applies engineering techniques to create, develop and experiment with various materials that are used in industry to create products.
• Manipulates a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, semiconductors, composite materials and ceramics in product production and also examines them in depth on a microscopic scale.
• Helps to solve problems in the manufacturing process that arise with the use of different materials.
• Tests and ensures products comply with national and international legal and quality standards.
• Advises most efficient materials to purchase and recommends on materials that use less energy.

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: Oral and written communication skills. Ability to meet deadlines. Applied physics. Computer simulation. Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Material science. Materials Requirement Planning (MRP). Optimization. Performance analysis. Materials engineering. 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

Less than 25% travel likely.

Pay Range (USD)

$110,000.00 - $150,000.00

Pay Transparency Statement

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Additional Compensation

Hired applicant may be eligible to participate in the Company's Gain Sharing Program.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.

Paid Time Off

Employees will receive paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.

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.