About the role
Company Overview ACS (Allen Control Systems) is a defense technology company building precision robotic systems for the United States and its allies. Founded by two former U.S. Navy electrical engineers with deep experience in robotics and software, ACS brings together AI, computer vision, precision motion, and advanced hardware to solve complex defense challenges across land, air, and maritime environments.
Our flagship product, Bullfrog, is an autonomous precision weapon system that transforms existing weapons into highly accurate counter-drone systems — giving warfighters a scalable, cost-effective response to one of the fastest-growing threats on the modern battlefield. Bullfrog is deployed with U.S. forces, and ACS works with organizations throughout the U.S. military and national security community.
Following a $200 million Series B at a $2.2 billion valuation, ACS is rapidly expanding manufacturing, accelerating Bullfrog deployments, and developing the next generation of autonomous battlefield systems. This is an opportunity to join a proven, fast-moving team and help scale technology with direct, real-world impact on national security.
ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional operations in Alexandria, Virginia; Mountain View, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit allencontrolsystems.com.
Position Overview:
As the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, your primary mission is to own the physical realization of our autonomous defense systems. You will bridge the gap between engineering R&D and the factory floor, ensuring our mission-critical products are built with precision, efficiency, and scale. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in an "engineering-first" culture and possesses the technical grit to build out production lines for complex, ruggedized robotics.
This is an onsite position. You will initially work from the current facility in Austin and will transition to our new Pflugerville, TX location upon completion of the facility move, anticipated in Q3/Q4 2026.
What You'll Do:
* Lead & Scale the Team: Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of manufacturing and industrial engineers. Foster a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
* Build & Optimize the Line: Lead the design and setup of assembly stations, production layouts, and material flow. Determine the specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures required for repeatable manufacturing.
* Drive Process Excellence: Champion Lean manufacturing principles and DFM initiatives. Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and implement physical solutions to increase throughput.
* Bridge the Gap: Serve as the primary link between Design Engineering and Production. Translate complex blueprints into clear, step-by-step manufacturing instructions and SOPs.
* Equipment Ownership: Oversee the selection and implementation of manufacturing hardware, from precision hand tools to advanced automated assembly systems.
* Project Execution: Own the manufacturing roadmap from prototype to full-scale deployment, managing budgets and ensuring production milestones are met on schedule.
What You'll Need:
* Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
* Relevant Experience: 7+ years of professional engineering experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
* Industry Background: Experience in defense, robotics, aerospace, or a similarly complex electromechanical manufacturing environment.
* Technical Proficiency: Comfortable reviewing CAD models (SolidWorks, CREO, etc.) and deep knowledge of plant layout and value stream mapping.
* Adaptability: Experience building or scaling manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup environment where technical challenges are frequent.
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary
* ACS Equity Package
* Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
* Paid Time Off
Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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