Mechanical Engineering Manager

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 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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

What You’ll Need

• 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.

You’ll Stand Out

• 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.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, 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. #LI-AS1

Compensation Range: $151K - $219K