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:
We are looking for a highly experienced Mechanical Designer with strong expertise in dynamic mechanical systems and electromechanical integration. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in designing for durability, reliability, and robustness according to MIL-STD-810 standards. You will play a critical role in ensuring our products meet stringent environmental, vibration, and shock requirements, while also integrating complex electromechanical components into our systems.
What You'll Do:
Design and develop mechanical systems that meet MIL-STD-810 specifications, ensuring robustness under vibration, shock, thermal, and environmental conditions.
Perform kinematic and multibody dynamic analysis to predict motion profiles, joint loads, torque requirements, and system stability in robotic and electromechanical assemblies.
Perform kinematic and multibody dynamic analysis to predict motion profiles, joint loads, torque requirements, and system stability in robotic and electromechanical assemblies.
Perform mechanical simulations (structural, dynamic, modal, vibration, thermal) to assess the durability and reliability of designs under operational stress.
Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers to integrate electromechanical components, ensuring seamless interaction between mechanical structures and electrical systems.
Develop and document mechanical design specifications, including detailed drawings, simulation reports, and testing protocols.
Conduct testing and validation to ensure that mechanical designs meet the required performance and safety standards.
Support prototype development and work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective.
Maintain a strong focus on product quality, safety, and reliability, adhering to Design for Manufacturing and Design for Reliability best practices.
Contribute to cross-functional design reviews, identifying potential mechanical and electromechanical risks early in the development cycle.
What You'll Need:
A passion for designing robust mechanical systems that can operate in harsh environments.
Advanced experience in robot dynamics, such as flexible multibody dynamics, dynamic simulations of compliant mechanisms, or vibration control in robotic arms and gantries
5+ years of experience in mechanical design, including expertise in electromechanical integration.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
R&D experience working with robotics or in a robotic lab.
Advanced experience in robot dynamics, such as flexible multibody dynamics, dynamic simulations of compliant mechanisms, or vibration control in robotic arms and gantries.
Proficient in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks (preferred), CATIA, or Creo.
Strong understanding of MIL-STD-810 requirements for mechanical durability, including vibration, shock, temperature, and humidity testing.
Skilled in electromechanical integration, ensuring compatibility between mechanical structures and electrical components (e.g., wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators).
Collaborate effectively with electrical, software, and systems engineers to develop integrated solutions.
Familiar with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) principles.
You'll Stand Out:
Advanced experience in robot dynamics, such as flexible multibody dynamics, dynamic simulations of compliant mechanisms, or vibration control in robotic arms and gantries.
Direct experience working with MIL-STD-810 (e.g., vibration, temperature, and shock tests).
Knowledge of MIL-S-901D for naval shock testing and MIL-STD-461 for EMI/EMC standards
Familiarity with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) considerations in mechanical design.
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.
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Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical design including electromechanical integration
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Advanced experience in robot dynamics, flexible multibody dynamics, or vibration control
- Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo)
- Strong understanding of MIL-STD-810 requirements for vibration, shock, temperature, and humidity testing
- Experience performing mechanical simulations (structural, dynamic, modal, vibration, thermal)
- Skilled in electromechanical integration (wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators) and cross-discipline collaboration
- R&D experience working with robotics or in a robotic lab
- Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) principles
- SolidWorks proficiency (explicitly listed as preferred)
- Direct hands-on experience with MIL-STD-810 testing (preferred)
- Knowledge of MIL-S-901D and MIL-STD-461 for naval shock and EMI/EMC (preferred)
- Familiarity with EMC considerations in mechanical design (preferred)
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.
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