Test Team Deputy Director

Allen Control Systems•Austin, TX

5d•Onsite

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 Test Team Deputy Director to serve as the senior execution leader responsible for transforming the Test Operations Director’s strategic direction into disciplined, coordinated, and safe daily operations. You are the central operational integrator for all planning and field activity, driving the processes and coordination required to execute complex tests reliably, safely, and on schedule for commercial customers, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government partners. This role requires the ability to travel and support field test campaigns and demonstrations.

Requirements

Experience in test operations, range operations, system testing, or military/defense live-fire environments; strong understanding of safety processes, risk-based operations, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to synchronize complex, multi-disciplinary operations in high-tempo conditions; demonstrated strength in communication, coordination, and operational leadership across technical teams.
Ability to lead personnel and enforce disciplined execution; strong attention to detail with the ability to manage parallel tasks and shifting priorities in fast-paced, technically complex environments.
Active Secret clearance or higher; ability to obtain and maintain required clearances for classified test environments.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience testing or operating autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned systems (UAS/UGV) in live-fire or operational environments.
Background in counter-UAS, directed energy, or weapon system test and evaluation.
Active Top Secret clearance or TS/SCI eligibility.
Prior military service with direct experience supporting international partner evaluations or FMS demonstrations.

Responsibilities

Convert the Test Operations Director’s strategic intent into detailed operational plans, resourcing actions, and execution frameworks; direct day-to-day synchronization of all test operations including briefs, rehearsals, and planning cycles across engineering, safety, range control, and external evaluators.
Oversee readiness and allocation of all personnel, turrets, vehicles, instrumentation, targets, communications systems, and support assets; lead operational risk management to ensure controls are implemented, verified, and enforced throughout planning and execution.
Oversee on-range execution to maintain tempo, flow, safety, scenario integrity, and communication during live-fire events; provide real-time decision making and problem solving to maintain safe and continuous operations under dynamic test conditions.
Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for commercial customers, U.S. government observers, and foreign government representatives during field tests and demonstrations; direct preparation, setup, and execution of all demonstration events.
Manage operational documentation including operations orders, test plans, schedules, safety documentation, briefings, and after-action materials; lead post-event recovery, accountability, and reset; capture operational insights and contribute to continuous process improvement.