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 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.
About The Role
We are looking for a Program Manager – Marine Corps Programs to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of programs supporting the United States Marine Corps. You will serve as the primary interface between ACS, Marine Corps stakeholders, contracting organizations, and internal engineering teams across Counter-UAS, autonomous systems, and emerging defense technologies. This is a role for a PM who is actively in the game – executing programs, managing budgets and schedules, and navigating Marine Corps acquisition environments day-to-day. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on operational capability delivery to the warfighter. Travel to Marine Corps installations, customer sites, and operational events is required.
What You’ll Do
Lead end-to-end program execution for Marine Corps programs, managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, and customer expectations; serve as the primary ACS interface to Marine Corps program offices, operational units, contracting organizations, and acquisition commands.
Manage cross-functional program execution across engineering, operations, logistics, manufacturing, and finance; track performance, risks, milestones, and contractual obligations; provide regular status updates to customers and executive leadership.
Maintain compliance with FAR, DFARS, and DoD acquisition requirements; manage Marine Corps customer and contracting relationships; support proposal development, capture efforts, and follow-on opportunities within the Marine Corps and broader defense community.
Coordinate demonstrations, fielding events, customer engagements, and operational evaluations; travel to Marine Corps installations and customer sites in support of program execution.
What You’ll Need
7+ years of program management experience in the defense industry, currently or recently employed by a defense contractor, integrator, or defense technology company supporting DoD customers; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
Strong understanding of Marine Corps organizations, acquisition processes, and contracting environments; experience working directly with contracting officers, program offices, acquisition personnel, and operational stakeholders.
Experience managing government contracts including cost-plus, fixed-price, OTA, IDIQ, and other federal contract vehicles; experience creating and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules using Microsoft Project or equivalent.
Excellent communication, briefing, and stakeholder management skills; active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred).
You’ll Stand Out
Prior service in the United States Marine Corps with post-military civilian-side program management experience in the defense industry.
Direct experience supporting Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), Program Executive Offices, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, or other Marine Corps acquisition organizations; existing relationships within Marine Corps acquisition, contracting, or operational communities.
Experience with Counter-UAS, UAS, autonomous systems, or weapons systems programs.
PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials; Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
What We Offer
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. #LI-AS1
Competitive salary
ACS Equity Package
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Skills Required
- 7+ years of program management experience in the defense industry
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, or related field
- Strong understanding of Marine Corps organizations, acquisition processes, and contracting environments
- Experience managing government contracts (cost-plus, fixed-price, OTA, IDIQ, other federal vehicles)
- Experience creating and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules using Microsoft Project or equivalent
- Excellent communication, briefing, and stakeholder management skills
- Active Secret security clearance (Top Secret preferred)
- Willingness/ability to travel to Marine Corps installations, customer sites, and operational events
- Prior service in the USMC or direct experience with MCSC, PEOS, or Marine Corps acquisition organizations
- Direct experience with Counter-UAS, UAS, autonomous systems, or weapons systems programs
- PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials; Earned Value Management (EVM) experience
Allen Control Systems Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
OnSite Workspace
