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Safety Manager

Austin, TX

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 will have a real-world impact.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced safety professional to lead and scale our manufacturing safety program. This role will own the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety policies, training, compliance systems, and hazard controls across our facility. Our work involves industrial manufacturing processes, hazardous materials, high-energy systems, and emerging weapons-related technologies—so this role requires strong judgment, technical credibility, and the confidence to stop unsafe work when necessary. 

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will spend time on the production floor, working directly with manufacturing, engineering, and leadership to proactively identify risks, strengthen safeguards, and build a culture where safety is a shared responsibility. 

What You’ll Do:

Safety Program Leadership 

  • Own and formalize the company-wide safety program, policies, and procedures 
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations 
  • Establish and maintain a strong safety culture and stop-work authority framework 
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and inspections 

Hazard Analysis & Risk Management 

  • Lead hazard analyses and safety studies for manufacturing processes (e.g., MIL-STD-882 or similar methodologies) 
  • Partner with engineering to implement “design for safety” principles 
  • Oversee Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), lift limits, machine guarding, and keep-out zones 
  • Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with high-power lasers (ANSI Z136.1), industrial equipment, and future explosive ordnance integration 

Specialized Safety Oversight 

  • Develop safety protocols for firearms handling, weapons integration, and explosive materials (as applicable to future programs) 
  • Support safe planning and execution of field-testing activities 
  • Oversee chemical safety, storage, disposal, and digital SDS systems 
  • Ensure appropriate PPE programs, respiratory protection, and facility zoning 

Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response 

  • Develop and maintain emergency action plans, evacuation maps, and muster procedures 
  • Oversee fire protection systems, extinguisher programs, and drill coordination 
  • Establish and manage incident reporting and corrective action processes 
  • Coordinate first aid, AED, trauma kits, and responder training 

Training & Documentation 

  • Implement and manage a structured safety training program 
  • Oversee machine-specific, forklift, laser, and specialized safety training 
  • Maintain training documentation and compliance records 
  • Lead regular safety meetings and reporting cadence 

Continuous Improvement 

  • Analyze safety metrics, near-misses, and observations 
  • Drive corrective actions and long-term preventative measures 
  • Continuously elevate safety standards as operations evolve

What You’ll Need: 

  • Minimum 5+ years of experience as a safety professional in an industrial or manufacturing environment 
  • Strong working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) 
  • Experience developing and implementing safety programs in high-risk environments 
  • Experience conducting hazard analyses and risk assessments
  • Experience supporting field testing operations 
  • Strong communication skills and ability to influence at all levels of the organization 
  • Ability and willingness to spend significant time on the production floor 
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent certification
  • Experience with explosives or ordnance safety 
  • Firearms safety experience 
  • Experience applying MIL-STD-882 or similar system safety frameworks 
  • Experience with high-power laser safety standards (ANSI Z136.1, MIL-HDBK-828) 
  • Experience in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries 

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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