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:
The Product Acceptance Systems Lead is responsible for developing and implementing the systems, standards, and programs that enable Product Acceptance and manufacturing operations to execute safely, consistently, and at scale.
Working across Product Acceptance, Product Execution, Quality, and Engineering, this role will identify systemic problems, develop practical solutions, and drive those solutions through implementation. The ideal candidate is a highly driven, hands-on problem solver who takes ownership, operates well in ambiguity, and gets things across the finish line.
Initial actions include:
* Reduce technician onboarding from 4 weeks to 2 weeks
* Achieve 100% ESD compliance
* Implement standardized work for every Product Acceptance station
* Develop a complete Product Acceptance knowledge base
* Establish quarterly skills assessments for technicians
* Launch the continuous improvement program
* Standardize workstation layouts across all Product Acceptance cells
What You'll Do
Product Acceptance Systems & Standards
* Develop and implement scalable product acceptance systems, standard work, visual controls, and best practices
* Identify gaps in existing processes and drive sustainable solutions
* Support systems for tooling, test equipment, calibration, preventive maintenance, and asset management
* Reduce reliance on tribal knowledge by creating repeatable, documented processes
Training & Workforce Development
* Develop structured onboarding, training, qualification, and certification programs
* Build and maintain skills and cross-training matrices
* Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to develop technical training content
* Create practical training materials, troubleshooting guides, and visual aids
Manufacturing Programs & Compliance
* Lead implementation and sustainment of programs such as ESD control and IPC workmanship standards
* Develop supporting procedures, training, audits, and corrective actions
* Partner with Quality and Engineering to ensure manufacturing standards meet applicable requirements
* Identify recurring compliance issues and drive systemic corrective actions
Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
* Lead cross-functional efforts to solve recurring problems affecting safety, quality, throughput, and efficiency
* Use structured root cause analysis to identify and eliminate systemic issues
* Drive improvements in standard work, workplace organization, process flow, and visual management
* Spend time on the production floor identifying pain points and opportunities for improvement
* Verify that implemented solutions deliver measurable and sustainable results
Production Scaling
* Develop product acceptance systems and standards that scale with increasing production volume and multiple shifts
* Support manufacturing readiness as new production areas and processes come online
* Capture lessons learned and incorporate them into future processes
* Help standardize proven product acceptance practices across teams, shifts, and future facilities
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
* Experience in manufacturing, engineering, production, quality, or a related technical environment
* Proven ability to take loosely defined problems and drive them through implementation
* Strong hands-on problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
* Experience developing or improving manufacturing processes, systems, or standard work
* Ability to work effectively across Engineering, Operations, and Quality
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* High degree of ownership, initiative, and follow-through
* Comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, electronics, automotive, or other complex manufacturing environments
* Experience with ESD control programs and/or IPC workmanship standards
* Experience developing technical training or workforce qualification programs
* Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies
* Experience supporting production ramps, NPI, or manufacturing expansion
Success in This Role
Within your first year, you will:
* Establish scalable manufacturing systems supporting Product Acceptance and Product Execution
* Implement structured training and qualification programs
* Strengthen ESD, IPC, and other manufacturing standards
* Improve standard work and documentation across key product acceptance processes
* Eliminate recurring systemic problems through cross-functional improvement efforts
* Reduce dependence on tribal knowledge and individual workarounds
* Help prepare ACS product acceptance operations for higher production rates, multiple shifts, and future facilities
* Become a trusted partner known for taking ownership and getting meaningful improvements across the finish line
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary
* ACS Equity Package
* Health, Dental, 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.