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Prin Mfg Engineer

General Dynamics OTS · Saco, ME

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Level
Engineer
Team
Manufacturing
Base pay
$100k–$125k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
10+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
3 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level manufacturing role at General Dynamics OTS (aerospace & defense) in Saco, ME. Develops, evaluates, and improves industrial manufacturing methods, utilizing knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality control standards.

They ask for
10+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, 5S, SPC, GD&T, Tooling
Base pay
$100k–$125k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Manufacturing Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $96k–$145k. This one lists $100k–$125k.

Median of the low and high ends of 810 live postings that list pay, out of 2379 manufacturing engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Maine plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 2378 other live manufacturing postings in the US.

Base pay
In line with similar roles

Typical $92k–$139k, from 754 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (10+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Tooling 46%
  • ✓ Lean 38%
  • Root cause 37%
  • New product launch 32%
  • Automation 32%
  • Six Sigma 22%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for 5S, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion 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 Manufacturing 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. 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?
    • Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
    • How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • 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 Saco

2 other open roles at this site.

Full description from General Dynamics OTSAs posted on their careers site.Show

Job Summary

The Principal Mfg Engineer plans, designs and constructs manufacturing facilities and related structures | Determines facility specifications, including analysis and evaluation of location, material resources and structural design | Resolves technical problems and recommends production improvements

Essential Functions

  • ◆Develops, evaluates, and improves industrial manufacturing methods, utilizing knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality control standards.
  • ◆Analyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
  • ◆Determines the parts, equipment, tools, and processes needed in order to achieve manufacturing goals according to product specifications.
  • ◆Estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
  • ◆Communicates manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes.
  • ◆Confers with vendors in order to determine specifications of products and arrange equipment, material purchase, and parts.
  • ◆Evaluates products based on specifications and quality standards.

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: 5S methodology. As-Is analysis. Manufacturing Engineering. Failure analysis. Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Integrity engineering. Lean manufacturing. Process integration. Production engineering. Rapid prototyping. Statistical process control. Value engineering. Workflow optimization. Workload analysis. CAD software. Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Oral and written communication. Critical thinking. Analytical thinking.

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.
  • ✓May need to stand for long periods of time.
  • ✓Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.
  • ✓Work may require employee to work inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.
  • ✓This position is Safety-Sensitive.

Travel

Requirements

Up to 25% travel likely.

Pay Range (USD)

$100,000.00 - $125,000.00

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, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance, Employee Assistance Program

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.

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 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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