Staff Computer Vision & Machine Learning Engineer for Autonomous Anti-Drone Systems
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 an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous venture acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.
About The Role:
We are looking for a Staff Level Computer Vision and Machine Learning Engineer to help lead the development and optimization of the CV/ML systems at the core of our autonomous gun turret, with a focus on real-time drone detection, tracking, and classification. You will work closely with electrical engineers to integrate vision systems into the turret’s hardware architecture and contribute to hardening the prototype into a military-grade system.
What You'll Do:
Development and optimization of computer vision algorithms for our autonomous gun turret, focusing on real-time drone detection, tracking, and classification.
Design and implement machine learning models that can operate in resource-constrained environments while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
Collaborate closely with electrical engineers to integrate computer vision systems into the turret's hardware architecture.
Conduct extensive testing and validation of computer vision algorithms in various scenarios to ensure robustness and performance under different environmental conditions.
Contribute to the hardening of the prototype turret into a military-grade system, and assist in developing variants for different weapon systems and engagement ranges.
What You'll Need:
Deep passion for machine learning, computer vision, and robotics, and have been exploring these areas since early in your career.
More than 10+ years of experience working on machine-learning-based computer vision, ideally in the context of robotics.
At least a Bachelors and/or Masters Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on machine learning and computer vision.
A proven track record of senior-level experience developing and deploying computer vision systems, ideally in real-time or safety-critical applications.
Proficient in Python, C++, and have experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
Experience with embedded systems and integrating computer vision algorithms into hardware.
Familiar with various sensors (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, RADAR) and their integration into autonomous systems.
You enjoy collaborating with other engineers to solve complex technical challenges.
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.
Skills Required
- More than 10 years of experience working on machine-learning-based computer vision
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Proven track record developing and deploying computer vision systems in real-time or safety-critical applications
- Proficient in Python and C++
- Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Experience with embedded systems and integrating computer vision algorithms into hardware
- Familiarity with sensors (cameras, LiDAR, RADAR) and their integration into autonomous systems
- Experience in robotics or applying CV/ML in robotics contexts
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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