Sr Prin Automation Engineer

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems (AR,ME,NE,OH,VT); Hampton (AR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust total rewards package

Healthcare and wellness benefits

Career development and recognition programs

Job summary

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Hampton, AR, is seeking a Sr Prin Automation Engineer responsible for developing, designing, and testing robotic platforms. This role requires expertise in programming and automated systems, as you'll work collaboratively with multiple teams to apply robotic technology.

The ideal candidate will have over a decade of experience, proficient knowledge in PLC, HMI, and strong computer skills. Join a leader in defense technology and make an impact in robotic automation!

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of experience in automation engineering.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of programmable logic and automated design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and manage automated machinery processes.
• Create programs that optimize manufacturing machinery.
• Audit equipment and processes to determine failure rates.

Skills

Programmable logic

Automated design

Critical thinking

Analytical thinking

Technical troubleshooting

Process optimization

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLC

HMI

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)

Job description

Sr Prin Automation Engineer

Job Locations: US-AR-Hampton

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 robotic platforms from prototype through product commercialization. Creates an integrated autonomous interface, mobility, communication, and human‑robot interaction. Works with cross‑functional teams to understand opportunities for robotic applications. Extensive background and hands‑on experience in programmable logic and automated design.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

• Recognized as an expert within the company and requires in‑depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline and broad knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function
• Solves unique problems that have a broad impact on the business
• Contributes to the development of organization functional strategy
• Progression to this level is typically restricted on the basis of business requirements
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 10-12 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:
  • Extensive background and hands on experience in programmable logic and automated design.
  • 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.