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Sr Automation Engineer

General Dynamics OTS · Lincoln, NE

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Level
Senior
Team
Controls
Degree
Required
Experience asked
7+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior 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
7+ years · degree required
Tools it names
SPC, PLC, Automation

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

Typical $97k–$140k, from 334 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (7+ vs 5+)

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, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 7+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at General Dynamics OTS

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  2. 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. 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. 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. 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

10 other open roles at this site.

All 11 roles at General Dynamics OTS →
Full description from General Dynamics OTSAs posted on their careers site.Show

Job Summary

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) is looking for an experienced Sr. Automation Engineer to join our Lincoln, NE organization. We are expanding rapidly and looking for motivated and creative individuals who want to help support and shape this organization as we grow. As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will lead the development of new equipment specifications, supplier selection, quote reviews and technical support through design, installation and verification activities. In addition, you will lead automation projects 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 solution.

Essential Functions

  • ◆Uses engineering techniques to design, develop, test, and manage automated machinery processes.
  • ◆Designs, programs, simulates, optimizes, and tests automated machinery to streamline manufacturing processes.
  • ◆Uses 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 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 for design, process, and safety considerations.

Required Qualifications

  • ✓Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 5-7 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.

Show full description ↓

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 in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines
  • •Solves complex problems
  • •Works independently, receives minimal guidance
  • •May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or may have accountability for on-going activities or objectives
  • •Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience
  • •Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

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