Company Overview
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.
About The Role
We are looking for a Flight Dynamics & Controls Engineer to own the aerodynamic modeling, flight control design, and system identification work for our high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is an individual contributor role for someone with genuine depth in both aeronautics and classical controls.
What You’ll Do
Use aeronautical analysis tools such as AVL to build and refine aerodynamic models; improve the fidelity of our simulator’s aircraft model and physics engine.
Design, tune, and augment flight control laws based on aerodynamic models and flight test results; add standard fixed-wing control features including altitude and airspeed control loops, and waypoint following.
Design flight test maneuvers optimized for system identification and data collection; analyze flight data to close the loop between model predictions and real-world behavior.
What You’ll Need
Solid understanding of classical control theory, including when to apply advanced methods; 1+ years of relevant experience in controls, flight dynamics, or a closely related discipline including academic or hands-on hobbyist work.
Solid aeronautics knowledge covering fixed-wing stability, aerodynamic modeling, and flight mechanics; this role requires genuine depth in both disciplines and we are looking for someone who is genuinely an airplane nerd.
You’ll Stand Out
Familiarity with missile guidance laws such as proportional navigation or pursuit control.
Proficiency in Python and/or C++; we weight aero and controls depth heavily over software skills, but the ability to implement your own work is a meaningful plus.
Experience with system identification techniques applied to real flight data.
Background in navigation or guidance that would allow broader contribution to GNC work over time.
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. #LI-AS1
Skills Required
- Solid understanding of classical control theory and when to apply advanced methods
- 1+ years relevant experience in controls, flight dynamics, or closely related discipline (including academic or hobbyist work)
- Strong aeronautics knowledge covering fixed-wing stability, aerodynamic modeling, and flight mechanics
- Familiarity with missile guidance laws (e.g., proportional navigation or pursuit control)
- Proficiency in Python and/or C++
- Experience with system identification techniques applied to real flight data
- Background in navigation or guidance (for broader GNC contribution)
Allen Control Systems Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health, dental, and vision coverage are consistently listed as employer‑provided across current role descriptions, indicating a solid core healthcare offering. This aligns with the startup‑standard package the company advertises.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is explicitly advertised alongside core health benefits in multiple postings. While accrual details aren’t shown publicly, its consistent inclusion signals baseline time‑off coverage.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An “ACS Equity Package” is repeatedly called out in job descriptions, suggesting equity grants are a standard component of total compensation. Visibility of equity across roles points to broad access to ownership upside, with specifics to be confirmed.
Allen Control Systems Insights
What We Do
Allen Control Systems is a defense technology company for a new era of drone warfare and to completely change battlefield economics. ACS is developing counter-drone robotic gun systems targeted at neutralizing attacking drone swarms, drones that are pre-programmed with AI, and drones that are non-jammable. ACS was created to lower the cost per kill of a drone to a few dollars. We do this by combining cutting-edge hardware and software that allows us to point an inexpensive gun that already exists in the field more accurately than anyone ever has before. ACS is a remote organization, with our HQ in Austin, Texas, and an office in Alexandria, Va. If you're passionate about our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
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