Manufacturing Engineer

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 Manufacturing Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering team and serve as the primary bridge between product design and manufacturing execution. You will act as the manufacturability specialist within the ME team, owning DFM, tooling strategy, and supplier integration. This is a hands-on role focused on enabling efficient production through design influence, tooling development, and cross-functional leadership, rather than direct ownership of factory operations.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with mechanical design engineers to drive DFM, DFA, and DFT from early concept through production; define critical features, tolerances, and inspection strategies in collaboration with Quality.

• Design, develop, and validate production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment; create manufacturing process concepts and support transition from prototype builds to production by establishing repeatable, controlled processes.

• Serve as the primary ME interface to suppliers for fabrication, machining, casting, and assembly; evaluate supplier capabilities, drive DFM feedback loops, and develop and review supplier documentation including drawings, work instructions, and inspection requirements.

• Act as the first-line technical resource for Manufacturing and Quality on design-related questions; support root cause investigations using structured methods such as 8D or Fishbone analysis.

• Define critical manufacturing and inspection processes including key parameters and acceptance criteria; support validation activities such as FMEA, process capability studies, and Gauge R&R; track manufacturability issues and feed lessons learned back into design standards.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with a focus on process design, equipment integration, and analysis in a systems or electronics manufacturing environment.

• Strong background in DFM/DFA and tolerance analysis; experience designing tooling, fixtures, and test equipment.

• Hands-on familiarity with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, casting, and 3D printing; experience working directly with suppliers and contract manufacturers.

• Ability to read, critique, and influence engineering drawings and GD&T; working knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, and 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