Manufacturing Engineering Co-op / Intern, 2027

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 seeking a motivated and hands-on Manufacturing Engineering Co-op / Intern to join our growing manufacturing team. This role provides an opportunity to work alongside manufacturing engineers, technicians, quality, supply chain, and production teams to support the development, improvement, and scaling of manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate is currently pursuing an engineering degree, enjoys solving real-world problems, and is excited to gain practical experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will have the opportunity to work directly on the production floor, contribute to meaningful engineering projects, and see your work have an immediate impact on safety, quality, efficiency, and production.

What You’ll Do

• Support Manufacturing Engineers with day-to-day production and process improvement activities.

• Assist in developing, documenting, and improving manufacturing processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.

• Work directly with production technicians and engineers to identify and resolve manufacturing challenges.

• Support the design and implementation of manufacturing fixtures, tooling, and assembly aids.

• Assist with production line layouts, workstation improvements, and material flow optimization.

• Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions related to manufacturing and quality issues.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, throughput, and efficiency.

• Assist with time studies, capacity analysis, and production planning activities.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) and the transition of products from engineering development into production.

• Assist with equipment installation, validation, maintenance planning, and process qualification as needed.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations.

• Participate in hands-on builds, testing, troubleshooting, and process validation.

• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and communicate project status, findings, and recommendations.

• Take ownership of assigned projects and present results or recommendations to the engineering and manufacturing teams.

What We’re Looking For

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Strong interest in manufacturing, production, hardware, robotics, or electromechanical systems.

• Comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and spending time on the production floor.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, operators, and other cross-functional partners.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other standard engineering or productivity tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, co-op, manufacturing, machine shop, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or hands-on engineering experience.

• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Creo, or similar.

• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawings.

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience with machining, fabrication, assembly, electronics, test equipment, or additive manufacturing.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP or manufacturing execution systems.

• Experience working on engineering clubs, robotics teams, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, rocketry, or other hands-on technical projects is a plus.

What You’ll Gain

As a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op / Intern, you will gain hands-on experience working in a real production environment while contributing to projects that directly impact manufacturing operations. You will have exposure to the full manufacturing lifecycle—from engineering development and process design through production, quality, testing, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to build practical engineering skills, learn from experienced engineers and technicians, and take meaningful ownership of projects rather than simply observing from the sidelines.