Prin Automation Engineer
General Dynamics OTS · Lincoln, NE
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at General Dynamics OTS (aerospace & defense) in Lincoln, NE. Models, tests, and measures output and data to analyze performance or quality issues.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- SPC, PLC, Robotics, Automation, CNC
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $98k–$140k.
Median of the low and high ends of 340 live postings that list pay, out of 997 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Nebraska plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 996 other live controls postings in the US.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $97k–$140k, from 334 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 73%
- ✓ PLC 69%
- ✓ Robotics 41%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 24%
- Root cause 24%
- Team leadership 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SPC, CNC, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at General Dynamics OTS
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: General Dynamics OTS in Lincoln
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Full description from General Dynamics OTSAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
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.
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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!
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
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