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Head of Manufacturing

Austin, TX or Buffalo, NY

Head of Manufacturing

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 venture 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:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Manufacturing to lead the production and scaling of our defense systems, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) manufacturing requirements and industry standards. This role will be responsible for establishing and optimizing manufacturing processes, managing supplier and contract manufacturer relationships, and ensuring that all production meets MIL-STD specifications and ITAR compliance.

You will drive the transition from prototype development to full-scale production while maintaining cost-efficiency, quality, and reliability. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in defense manufacturing, DoD contracts, and scaling high-precision production lines for military applications.

 

What You'll Do:

  • Lead Manufacturing Strategy: Develop and execute a scalable manufacturing strategy that aligns with DoD contract requirements, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
  • DoD Contract Manufacturing Compliance: Ensure all manufacturing operations meet ITAR, DFARS, and MIL-STD regulations.
  • Establish Manufacturing Operations: Set up and optimize in-house production lines and oversee contract manufacturers to produce mission-critical defense systems.
  • Supplier and Contract Manufacturer Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
  • Quality Assurance & Testing: Work closely with quality control teams to implement rigorous military-grade testing protocols to ensure the durability and reliability of all manufactured systems.
  • Cost Control & Budgeting: Develop and manage manufacturing budgets, ensuring cost-efficient production while meeting performance and reliability requirements.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, supply chain, and operations teams to integrate manufacturing requirements into product design and ensure a seamless transition from R&D to production.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with manufacturing scalability, supplier dependencies, and production bottlenecks.
  • Facility & Equipment Management: Oversee the setup and maintenance of manufacturing facilities, ensuring that all tools, equipment, and production environments meet defense industry standards.

What You'll Need:

  • Extensive Defense Manufacturing Experience: 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in defense, aerospace, or DoD contract manufacturing.
  • Expertise in DoD & MIL-STD Compliance: Strong knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, MIL-STD-810 (environmental), MIL-STD-461 (EMC), MIL-S-901 (shock), and AS9100 requirements.
  • Proven Leadership in Scaling Production: Experience scaling manufacturing operations from prototype to full-rate production, preferably in a defense or highly regulated industry.
  • Process Optimization & Lean Manufacturing: Deep understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and other advanced manufacturing methodologies to drive efficiency and quality.
  • Strong Supplier & CM Management Skills: Experience working with contract manufacturers, suppliers, and Tier 1 defense contractors, ensuring compliance with DoD regulations.
  • Technical Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • Government Contracting Experience: Familiarity with DoD procurement processes, FAR/DFARS regulations, and the defense acquisition lifecycle.
  • High-Volume Precision Manufacturing Knowledge: Experience working with machining, electromechanical assemblies, ruggedized enclosures, and PCB manufacturing.

You'll Stand Out:

  • Active Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one.
  • Experience with Directed Energy, Autonomous Systems, or Weapons Manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with Additive Manufacturing & Advanced Materials for military-grade applications.
  • Direct experience with military hardware qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, EMI/EMC, and ballistic testing).
  • Understanding of CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) for DoD suppliers.

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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