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 will have a real-world impact.
Position Overview
As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will be the primary guardian of quality for all materials and components entering our facility. You will ensure our supply base is capable, compliant, and synchronized with our production requirements. This role requires a high-energy problem solver who can work across functional groups—from Engineering to Procurement—to resolve technical blockers and drive continuous improvement in a rapid-growth environment.
What You’ll Do:
- Audit & Qualify: Perform supplier audits and assessments to ensure technical, manufacturing, and quality capabilities align with company standards.
- Manage Non-Conformance: Lead the Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process for supplier-related defects, ensuring robust solutions are implemented to prevent recurrence
- APQP & PPAP: Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning and Part Approval Processes to ensure new components are "right first time" before hitting the production line.
- Visibility & Reporting: Create visibility into supplier performance using Scorecards, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) metrics, and Defect Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) reporting.
- Change Management: Review Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for impact on supplier tooling and processes, ensuring seamless transitions without supply chain disruption.
- Collaborate & Expedite: Partner with Procurement to identify high-risk suppliers and provide on-site technical support to unblock production-critical shortages.
What You’ll Need:
- Education: BS in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Experience: 3+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong command of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), statistical process control (SPC), and ERP systems.
- Problem Solving: Proven ability to lead 8D, 5-Why, or Fishbone investigations to resolve complex manufacturing issues.
- Industry Context: Experience in aerospace, automotive, or high-complexity hardware industries.
- Experience with AS9100/ISO9001 standards, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification, or familiarity with US export controls (ITAR/EAR).
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
- BS in Engineering or related technical field
- 3+ years experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering
- Strong command of GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and ERP systems
- Proven ability to lead 8D, 5-Why, or Fishbone root-cause investigations
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, or high-complexity hardware industries
- Experience with APQP and PPAP processes
- Experience with AS9100/ISO9001 standards, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification, or familiarity with ITAR/EAR
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.
