SolidWorks PDM Administrator

Allen Control Systems•Austin, TX

About The Position

SolidWorks PDM Administrator 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 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 highly skilled SolidWorks PDM Administrator to join the Mechanical Engineering team and serve as the primary bridge between product design, data management, and manufacturing execution. This is a hands-on role focused on enabling efficient and compliant product development through robust data management, workflow optimization, and cross-functional leadership. You will own PDM system architecture, workflow design, and product data integrity while partnering upstream with design engineers and serving as the key technical interface to Manufacturing, Quality, IT, and external suppliers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
5–8 years of experience administering SolidWorks PDM Professional in a production engineering environment.
Strong understanding of PDM system architecture including workflows, permissions, data cards, and vault structure; experience implementing and managing engineering change control processes (ECR/ECO).
Ability to read, understand, and critique engineering drawings including working knowledge of GD&T; familiarity with configuration management principles and product lifecycle management.
Working knowledge of quality systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001; understanding of data security and compliance requirements including DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC.
Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and IT; strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex data structures in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience at a defense contractor, aerospace company, or hardware-focused startup where PDM was mission-critical.
Hands-on experience with PDM-to-ERP integration or PLM platform implementation.
Experience supporting AS9100 or ISO 9001 certification efforts as part of a quality or engineering team.
Familiarity with scripting or automation to extend PDM functionality (e.g., API-based workflows or task add-ins).

Responsibilities

Own the configuration, administration, and continuous improvement of the SolidWorks PDM vault, including workflows, lifecycle states, permissions, data cards, file structure, naming conventions, and revision control from early concept through production.
Develop and maintain workflows supporting engineering release, change control (ECR/ECO), and manufacturing handoff; ensure integrity, traceability, and accessibility of all engineering data including models, drawings, and BOMs.
Serve as the primary interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality for all product data and configuration topics; support the transition from prototype to production by establishing controlled release processes and ensuring complete, accurate data packages.
Collaborate with Quality to develop and maintain document control processes aligned with AS9100 or ISO 9001 requirements; implement and maintain access controls and data protection strategies aligned with ITAR and CMMC requirements.
Manage user roles, permissions, and training to ensure proper system usage and compliance; support integration between PDM and other enterprise systems such as ERP, PLM, and MES where applicable.
Act as the first-line resource for troubleshooting PDM issues including file conflicts, workflow errors, and user access problems; lead root cause investigations related to data integrity and revision errors using structured methods such as 8D or Fishbone analysis.
Develop and maintain documentation, training materials, and SOPs for PDM usage; track system usage, errors, and inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement initiatives.