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.
About The Role
We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a full-time role. The ideal candidate owns flight test operations end-to-end: identifying a safe and legal test location, preparing the flight plan and safety process, and serving as or supporting remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
What You’ll Do
Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV (~20 kg, ~100 mph) in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.
Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.
Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design and implement takeoff and landing solutions (catapult, truck launch, or landing gear).
Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.
What You’ll Need
Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.
Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.
You’ll Stand Out
Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.
Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.
Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.
Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.
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
- Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs (FPV and line-of-sight) of significant mass and speed
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC
- Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk
- Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development
- Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development
- Experience siting and permitting flight test areas or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC
- Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data
Allen Control Systems Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is consistently listed as employer-provided medical, dental, and vision insurance, with HSA/FSA options also appearing. Life and disability insurance are additionally noted in public benefits outlines.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are repeatedly referenced across roles via an "ACS Equity Package," indicating broad access to ownership upside. This is positioned as a core element of total rewards alongside salary.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is explicitly advertised and parental leave is mentioned on public profiles. There are indications of PTO availability early in tenure for hourly roles, suggesting practical access to time off.
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.
Allen Control Systems Offices
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