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.
Position Overview:
Allen Control Systems is scaling our manufacturing team, and we are looking for Manufacturing Engineers with a Mechanical Focus at all experience levels.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to launch your career, or a seasoned professional ready to lead complex production initiatives, we have a place for you. We are building the future of robotic systems and need problem-solvers who thrive on the production floor, understand how mechanical parts fit together, and want to own the process of bringing designs to life.
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
Build & Optimize the Line: Set up and organize assembly stations. You’ll determine the tools, jigs, and fixtures needed to make the assembly process smooth and repeatable.
Drive Process Improvement: Analyze how we build our robots and find ways to make it faster, safer, or more ergonomic.
Bridge the Gap: Act as the link between Design engineers and the Production team, translating blueprints into clear, step-by-step instructions.
Solve Mechanical Issues: Troubleshoot mechanical failures on the line, identify the root cause, and implement physical solutions to keep production moving.
Equipment Ownership: Manage the setup and "health" of our manufacturing hardware, from precision hand tools to automated assembly equipment.
Continuous Improvement: Identify areas where we are wasting material or time and suggest mechanical solutions to tighten up the process.
What You’ll Need
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience (All Levels Welcome):
2+ years of experience
Mid-to-Senior Level: 5+ years of experience. We are looking for those who have led line setups, mentored junior engineers, or managed complex vendor integrations.
Mechanical Aptitude: A strong "common sense" for mechanics. You understand tolerances, how different materials behave, and how to use shop tools.
Functional Digital Skills: You should be comfortable opening a CAD model to take measurements or making minor "redline" tweaks to a drawing. (We value floor-time over desk-time).
Problem-Solving: You enjoy taking things apart to see why they aren't working and coming up with practical, physical solutions.
Communication: Ability to "talk shop" with technicians on the floor and provide clear technical updates to leadership.
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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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field
- Minimum 2+ years of manufacturing or mechanical engineering experience
- Experience leading line setups, mentoring junior engineers, or managing complex vendor integrations (senior-level)
- Strong mechanical aptitude; understanding tolerances, material behavior, and shop tools
- Comfortable opening CAD models to take measurements and making minor redline tweaks
- Experience setting up assembly stations, specifying jigs/fixtures, and working with automated assembly equipment
- Hands-on problem-solving and troubleshooting mechanical failures on the production line
- Clear communication skills for interacting with technicians and leadership
- Onsite work in Austin with transition to Pflugerville, TX; must be able to work onsite
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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