Head of Testing Operations

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.

We are looking for a Director of Test Operations to own and lead the test enterprise for ACS’s autonomous weapon systems. You will set the strategic direction for how ACS proves its systems work — from live-fire validation and engineering testing to operational testing and CV data capture — and build the organization, infrastructure, and processes required to scale test capability ahead of a rapidly growing product roadmap.

This is a hands-on leadership role at the intersection of engineering, field operations, and defense testing. The successful candidate leads from the front, builds systems that outlast them, and makes sound decisions in high-consequence field environments.

This role is on-site in Austin, TX and requires regular travel in support of field test campaigns, demonstrations, and customer events.

Own the Test Operations directorate end to end: set strategic test objectives, define the operating rhythm, and build the planning, readiness, and execution frameworks that turn engineering intent into credible, traceable, decision-quality data.

• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of test engineers, operations technicians, and drone operators. Set and drive the test strategy across all test lines, from live-fire validation to engineering testing to CV data capture. Preserve test independence so the directorate produces honest data regardless of program pressure.
• Own the long-range plan for test facilities and range capability as system calibers, sensors, and platforms evolve.
• Represent test to senior leadership, commercial customers, U.Brief credibly on capability, gaps, results, and risk. Serve as the primary on-site authority during live-fire, autonomous system, and counter-UAS demonstrations.
• Serve as the responsible authority for live-fire operations, operational risk management, range discipline, and the safety documentation and controls that gate every event. Identify recurring failure modes and execution bottlenecks and drive systemic corrective action into future planning cycles, engineering processes, and manufacturing handoffs.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related technical field.

• 10+ years in test operations, system testing, range operations, defense field operations, or similarly complex technical environments, including 5+ years leading multi-disciplinary teams conducting field operations in high-tempo, high-consequence conditions.
• Demonstrated experience building or scaling a test organization: standing up processes, qualification pipelines, and infrastructure to support growing test volume and increasing system complexity.
• Strong technical fluency across complex hardware/software systems. Proven ability to set direction, translate strategy into executable plans and readiness gates, and manage competing priorities under sustained pressure.
• Working proficiency with Linux and the command line, and the ability to read, troubleshoot, and reason about production code (C++ or equivalent). You will not be writing production software, but you must be able to sit with an engineer, follow the logic, and hold a credible technical conversation about what the system is doing and why a test failed.
• Deep understanding of safety processes, operational risk management, range discipline, and compliance requirements in field and high-hazard environments. Track record of holding safety standards under schedule and customer pressure.
• Excellent communication skills for briefing senior leaders, customers, and government stakeholders, and for aligning cross-functional partners during dynamic field operations.

Direct experience testing or operating autonomous systems, robotics, unmanned systems, counter-UAS systems, weapon systems, or integrated hardware/software defense platforms.

• Prior military service, especially in test, range operations, fires, air defense, special operations support, or unmanned systems roles.
• S. government evaluations, foreign military sales demonstrations, or international partner field events.
• ACS Equity Package
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 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. #