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 professionals.
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.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Technical Writer to develop, organize, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for ACS’s autonomous counter-drone system. This role requires a strong ability to translate complex engineering concepts across robotics, computer vision, and embedded control systems into clear, accurate, and compliant publications that support operators, field users, and government customers.
What You’ll Do:
- Work directly with ACS engineers and founders to gather and document technical information on the autonomous turret platform, including computer vision systems, control systems, robotics hardware, and embedded software.
- Create and maintain operator manuals, user guides, system integration documents, maintenance procedures, and safety documentation for ACS’s counter-drone system.
- Develop government-facing technical deliverables compliant with applicable DoD and MIL-SPEC standards (e.g., MIL-STD-40051, S1000D, or applicable Technical Orders).
- Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to document hardware assembly, wiring, and maintenance procedures for the autonomous turret platform.
- Support proposal efforts and contract deliverables by producing technical narratives, SOWs, and program documentation for government customers.
- Manage document version control and maintain consistency across all publication types as the ACS product evolves rapidly.
- Prepare and submit documentation deliverables to government agencies and program offices, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and review timelines.
What You’ll Need:
- 3-7 years of experience in technical writing, with at least some focus on defense, aerospace, robotics, or hardware systems.
- Start-up exposure: comfortable working in a fast-moving environment with limited process and high autonomy.
- Familiarity with DoD documentation standards, ITAR compliance requirements, and MIL-SPEC writing guidelines (e.g., MIL-STD-40051, S1000D).
- Experience managing technical illustrations, system diagrams, and schematics within documentation for complex hardware or electromechanical systems.
- Proficiency in documentation tools (Adobe FrameMaker, MS Office Suite, Confluence, XML editors).
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 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. #LI-AS1
Skills Required
- 3-7 years technical writing experience, including defense, aerospace, robotics, or hardware systems
- Familiarity with DoD documentation standards and MIL-SPEC writing guidelines (e.g., MIL-STD-40051, S1000D)
- Knowledge of ITAR compliance requirements
- Experience managing technical illustrations, system diagrams, and schematics for complex hardware or electromechanical systems
- Proficiency in documentation tools: Adobe FrameMaker, MS Office Suite, Confluence, XML editors
- Start-up experience and ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, low-process environment
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deliverables and timelines
- Ability to prepare government-facing deliverables, technical narratives, and statements of work (SOWs)
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.
