Production Manager - Electrical Components

Allen Control Systems•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a defense startup developing an autonomous gun turret. We are seeking an experienced and highly accountable Production Manager – Electrical Components to build and lead our wire harness and PCBA manufacturing operations. This is a build role where you will establish the team, facility, and processes for high-volume IPC Class 3 harness manufacturing and oversee PCBA rework and processing operations. The role requires a blend of hands-on expertise in harness/cable and PCBA rework with leadership and systems discipline to build operations from the ground up in a fast-paced, engineering-first culture.

Requirements

8+ years in manufacturing or production management, specifically with wire harness/cable assembly and/or PCBA manufacturing and rework.
Deep, hands-on knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 (harness) and IPC-7711/7721 & J-STD-001 (PCBA rework).
IPC Class 3 experience required.
Proven track record of managing production teams in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Comfortable making difficult personnel and operational decisions.
Deep experience with ERP systems (Odoo highly preferred) for managing BOMs, inventory, travelers, and work orders.
Track record of standing up or scaling a harness and/or PCBA production line, including facility layout, tooling selection, and workforce training/certification.
A 'no-excuses' approach to meeting deadlines and solving equipment or supply chain stalls.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, a related field, or equivalent years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience taking a production floor from 'hand-built prototypes' to 'standardized, high-volume, Class 3 output'.
Understanding of the rigors required for hardware deployed to the tactical edge, including relevant quality and traceability expectations.
IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) or Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) credentials.
Practical application of lean manufacturing principles without corporate bureaucracy.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and lead a team of harness assemblers, PCBA rework technicians, and production planners.
Design and establish the physical layout, workstations, and tooling for high-volume Class 3 harness production.
Design and implement repeatable, documented processes for cutting, stripping, crimping, soldering, lacing/braiding, potting, and continuity/hipot testing that meet IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards.
Own the rework, repair, and reprocessing of PCBAs that fail test or inspection, applying IPC-7711/7721 and J-STD-001 standards.
Drive the daily manufacturing schedule to meet delivery milestones.
Embody a 'hire slow, fire fast' methodology to ensure top talent and maintain a culture of extreme ownership.
Manage the digital production flow within Odoo, ensuring accurate tracking of manufacturing orders, work centers, travelers/routings, and inventory movements.
Implement and enforce rigorous QA/QC protocols, including IPC Class 3 inspection criteria and rework/repair traceability.
Identify and correct underperformance in the process or team immediately.
Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to resolve bottlenecks and implement DFM/DFA feedback.