SystemsSoftware Engineering Manager

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 have a real-world impact.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Systems/Software Engineering Managerto lead and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team working across firmware software electrical and mechanical systems. This role is both technical and managerial requiring hands-on engineering judgment alongside strong leadership execution and communication skills. The ideal candidate will help drive architecture decisions guide system-level integration and ensure on-time delivery of complex mission-critical defense products.

What Youll Do:

• Team Leadership and Development: Lead mentor and manage a team of engineers across multiple disciplines. Foster a high-performance engineering-first culture focused on accountability technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Technical Oversight and Architecture: Provide technical direction and review for firmware software and hardware designs.
• Ensure system architectures are robust scalable and aligned with performance and reliability requirements.
• Project Execution: Own engineering execution from concept through deployment. Partner with leadership to define priorities timelines and milestones and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product operations and leadership to align engineering efforts with company objectives and customer needs.
• System Integration and Validation: Oversee system integration testing and validation efforts to ensure designs meet military-grade performance safety and reliability standards.
• Process and Documentation: Establish and maintain engineering processes design reviews and documentation standards to support rapid development and long-term maintainability.

What Youll Need:

• Experience: 7 years of professional engineering experience with at least 2 years in an engineering leadership or management role.
• Educational Background: Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Computer Science or a related field.
• Technical Background: Strong understanding of embedded systems robotics autonomous systems or defense-related technologies.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead teams manage performance and develop engineers at varying career stages.
• Systems Thinking: Experience overseeing complex multidisciplinary systems involving software firmware electronics and mechanical components.
• Execution Focus: Strong project management instincts with the ability to balance speed quality and technical risk.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Youll Stand Out:

• Defense or Robotics Experience: Prior experience in defense systems robotics autonomous platforms or safety-critical environments.
• Hands-On Engineering Background: Previous experience as a senior or staff-level engineer in embedded firmware or robotics systems.
• Scaling Teams: Experience building or scaling engineering teams in fast-paced startup environments.
• Systems Integration: Deep familiarity with integrating sensors actuators control systems and real-time software into cohesive products.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• ACS Equity Package
• 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.
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