Mechanical Engineering Manager

Allen Control Systems•Austin, TX

17d

About The Position

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. About The Role We are looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and grow the Mechanical Engineering team at ACS. This is a technical and managerial role that requires hands-on engineering contribution alongside strong leadership, execution, and communication skills. You will drive architecture decisions, guide system-level integration, and ensure on-time delivery of complex, mission-critical defense products across structural, thermal, motion-control, and manufacturing domains.

Requirements

7+ years of professional engineering experience, including 2+ years in an engineering leadership or management role.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; strong background designing electromechanical systems, robotics, autonomous systems, or complex defense hardware.
Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and develop engineers at varying career stages; strong project management instincts with the ability to balance speed, quality, and technical risk.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in defense systems, robotics, autonomous platforms, or safety-critical environments.
Deep expertise in precision mechanisms, motion systems, thermal management, ruggedized hardware, or high-performance electromechanical products.
Experience building or scaling engineering teams in fast-paced startup environments.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage the Mechanical Engineering team; foster a high-performance, engineering-first culture focused on accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Provide technical direction and review complex electromechanical design decisions across structural, thermal, motion-control, and manufacturing domains; oversee mechanical testing, validation, and qualification activities to ensure designs meet performance, reliability, and operational requirements.
Own engineering execution from concept through deployment; define priorities, timelines, and milestones in partnership with leadership and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.
Work closely with product, operations, and leadership to align engineering efforts with company objectives; establish and maintain engineering processes, design reviews, and documentation standards to support rapid development and long-term maintainability.