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 a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.
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 have a real-world impact.
As an Electrical Quality Inspector at Allen Control Systems (ACS), you are the final line of defense for the Bullfrog™ autonomous gun turret system. You will be responsible for ensuring that every wire harness and Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) meets the rigorous standards required for tactical edge defense hardware. This is not a "check-the-box" role; you are expected to provide real-time feedback to production and engineering to eliminate bottlenecks and prevent quality escapes.
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
Technical Inspection: Perform detailed visual and mechanical inspections of complex wire harnesses and PCBAs to IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards.
System Ownership: Document inspection results, manage non-conforming material, and verify that all assemblies match the latest engineering revisions and BOMs.
Root Cause Analysis: Collaborate directly with Engineering and Production to identify the source of workmanship defects and implement immediate corrective actions.
In-Process Audits: Conduct "floor-side" audits of assembly techniques, including crimping, soldering, and component placement, to ensure quality is built-in from the start.
What You’ll Need
Experience: 3+ years in quality inspection within a high-stakes electronics manufacturing environment (aerospace, defense, or robotics preferred).
Certifications: Current or prior certification in IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 is required.
Technical Literacy: Expert ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, wire run lists, and mechanical drawings.
Systems Expertise: Experience using ERP systems (Odoo highly preferred) for quality documentation and inventory management.
Operational Grit: A "no-excuses" approach to quality. You must be comfortable making difficult "reject" calls to prioritize the mission and product reliability.
You’ll Stand Out
Startup Scaling: Experience establishing quality gatekeepers in a rapidly growing production environment.
Specialized Testing: High-reliability harnesses and circuit boards automated testing techniques
Lean Mindset: Practical experience applying quality improvements without unnecessary corporate bureaucracy.
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
- 3+ years in quality inspection within a high-stakes electronics manufacturing environment (aerospace, defense, or robotics preferred).
- Current or prior certification in IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620.
- Expert ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, wire run lists, and mechanical drawings.
- Experience using ERP systems for quality documentation and inventory management (Odoo highly preferred).
- Comfortable making difficult reject calls to prioritize mission and product reliability.
- Experience establishing quality gatekeepers in a rapidly scaling production environment.
- Experience with automated testing techniques for high-reliability harnesses and circuit boards.
- Practical experience applying lean quality improvements without heavy bureaucracy.
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.
Allen Control Systems Offices
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