Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two ex-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 the Manufacturing Engineering Manager , your primary mission is to own the physical realization of our autonomous defense systems. You will bridge the gap between engineering R&D and the factory floor, ensuring our mission-critical products are built with precision, efficiency, and scale. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in an "engineering-first" culture and possesses the technical grit to build out production lines for complex, ruggedized robotics.

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:

• Lead & Scale the Team: Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of manufacturing and industrial engineers. Foster a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
• Build & Optimize the Line: Lead the design and setup of assembly stations, production layouts, and material flow. Determine the specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures required for repeatable manufacturing.
• Drive Process Excellence: Champion Lean manufacturing principles and DFM initiatives. Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and implement physical solutions to increase throughput.
• Bridge the Gap: Serve as the primary link between Design Engineering and Production. Translate complex blueprints into clear, step-by-step manufacturing instructions and SOPs.
• Equipment Ownership: Oversee the selection and implementation of manufacturing hardware, from precision hand tools to advanced automated assembly systems.
• Project Execution: Own the manufacturing roadmap from prototype to full-scale deployment, managing budgets and ensuring production milestones are met on schedule.

What You'll Need:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Relevant Experience: 7+ years of professional engineering experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Industry Background: Experience in defense, robotics, aerospace, or a similarly complex electromechanical manufacturing environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable reviewing CAD models (SolidWorks, CREO, etc.) and deep knowledge of plant layout and value stream mapping.
• Adaptability: Experience building or scaling manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup environment where technical challenges are frequent.

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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