---
title: 'Machine Shop Manager at Allen Control Systems'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/machine-shop-manager-allen-control-systems-austin-77jvacm35ynf'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Machine Shop Manager at Allen Control Systems

- **Company:** [Allen Control Systems](https://feeny.ai/companies/allen-control-systems)
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-08-27
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/allen-control-systems/e2c1c2d0-ae20-47c3-b6e5-6bb39f9f8efa

## Job description

Company Overview ACS (Allen Control Systems) is a defense technology company building precision robotic systems for the United States and its allies. Founded by two former U.S. Navy electrical engineers with deep experience in robotics and software, ACS brings together AI, computer vision, precision motion, and advanced hardware to solve complex defense challenges across land, air, and maritime environments.

Our flagship product, Bullfrog, is an autonomous precision weapon system that transforms existing weapons into highly accurate counter-drone systems — giving warfighters a scalable, cost-effective response to one of the fastest-growing threats on the modern battlefield. Bullfrog is deployed with U.S. forces, and ACS works with organizations throughout the U.S. military and national security community.

Following a $200 million Series B at a $2.2 billion valuation, ACS is rapidly expanding manufacturing, accelerating Bullfrog deployments, and developing the next generation of autonomous battlefield systems. This is an opportunity to join a proven, fast-moving team and help scale technology with direct, real-world impact on national security.

ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional operations in Alexandria, Virginia; Mountain View, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit allencontrolsystems.com http://allencontrolsystems.com.

## ABOUT THE ROLE

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is seeking an experienced Machine Shop Manager to lead and scale our machining operations in support of rapidly growing manufacturing needs. This role will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the machine shop, including people, equipment, production schedules, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong CNC machining experience who can balance production execution with building the processes, systems, and team required for a high-growth manufacturing environment. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure machined components are delivered safely, accurately, and on schedule.

## WHAT YOU’LL DO

## MACHINE SHOP LEADERSHIP

- Lead the day-to-day operations of the machine shop, including CNC machining, manual machining, tooling, and supporting shop activities.
- Manage, develop, and mentor machinists, programmers, leads, and other machine shop personnel.
- Maintain records for skill matrix to drive a culture of continuous learning and development and career growth for team members.
- Establish clear expectations for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and overall performance.
- Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and development of machine shop employees.
- Build a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, urgency, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and coverage across production shifts as operations scale.

## PRODUCTION & SCHEDULING

- Own machine shop production schedules and priorities based on overall manufacturing requirements.
- Coordinate work across machines, personnel, and shifts to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
- Monitor work-in-process and proactively identify production risks, bottlenecks, and capacity constraints.
- Partner with Production Planning, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure material, tooling, and resources are available to meet production schedules.
- Balance prototype, engineering, and production machining requirements in a fast-moving environment.
- Develop and track key performance indicators related to throughput, utilization, scrap, rework, downtime, and on-time delivery.

## MACHINING & TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT

- Provide technical leadership for CNC milling, turning, and other machining operations.
- Support CNC programming, setup optimization, tooling selection, fixturing, and machining strategy.
- Review drawings, GD&T requirements, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing specifications.
- Partner with Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and improve component manufacturability.
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, equipment, and process issues.
- Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times while maintaining quality and safety requirements.

## QUALITY

- Ensure machined components meet engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
- Partner closely with Quality to address nonconformances, scrap, rework, and corrective actions.
- Drive root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions for recurring machining issues.
- Ensure appropriate inspection practices, documentation, and process controls are followed.
- Promote a quality-first culture throughout the machine shop.

## EQUIPMENT & FACILITY MANAGEMENT

- Oversee machine utilization, preventive maintenance, repairs, calibration needs, and overall equipment readiness.
- Coordinate maintenance activities to minimize disruption to production.
- Evaluate and recommend new machines, tooling, fixtures, software, and other capital equipment as production requirements grow.
- Support machine installation, commissioning, shop layout, and future capacity expansion.
- Maintain an organized, efficient, and production-ready shop environment.

## SAFETY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

- Maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.
- Ensure proper machine guarding, PPE, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), material handling, and safe machining practices.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
- Implement standardized work, 6S, visual management, and other Lean manufacturing principles.
- Develop repeatable processes and documentation that allow the machine shop to scale effectively.

## WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

- 7+ years of experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or a related manufacturing environment.
- 3+ years of experience leading machinists, programmers, or machine shop operations.
- Strong hands-on knowledge of CNC mills and/or lathes, machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and setup.
- Experience working with tight-tolerance machined components.
- Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and inspection requirements.
- Experience managing production schedules, machine capacity, and competing manufacturing priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical manufacturing teams.
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
- Experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 6S, standardized work, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where priorities and production requirements can change quickly.

## PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or another highly regulated precision manufacturing environment.
- Experience operating in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality environment.
- Experience with CAD/CAM software and CNC programming.
- Experience managing both prototype and production machining.
- Experience launching or significantly expanding a machine shop or machining operation.
- Experience selecting and commissioning CNC equipment and other capital machinery.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
- Experience developing machining KPIs, capacity models, and production dashboards.

## 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

## About Allen Control Systems

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a defense technology company building autonomous robotic weapon stations to counter drone swarms with cost-effective, AI-driven precision.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A; recent $200M round at $2.2B valuation)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, USA (also office in Alexandria, Virginia)
- **Founded**: 2023 (seed round closed April 2024)
- **Founders**: Luke Allen (CTO), Mike Wior (CEO), and Steve Simoni (President) – all U.S. Navy veterans and nuclear engineers

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Defense and space manufacturing, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), robotics, AI/computer vision
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, allied militaries, national security agencies (B2G)
- **Mission/purpose**: To completely change battlefield economics by lowering the cost per kill of a drone to a few dollars, using existing weapon systems enhanced by proprietary hardware and software.

## Products & Services
- **Bullfrog™ Weapon Stations**: A family of autonomous, remotely operated weapon mounts (variants: M240C, M230, M2, M134, M240) that can be integrated with existing military platforms. Key features:
  - Passive sensing (no radar required) for stealth operations
  - Open architecture for integration with any C2 system
  - AI/ML-based fire control for precise targeting of Group 1–3+ UAS, including swarms and non-jammable drones
  - Effective range up to 1,500m depending on variant
- **Autonomous Fire Control Software**: Machine vision and synthetic data generation engine that continuously updates threat libraries and enables accurate engagement without human intervention.
- **Synthetic Data Training Pipeline**: Generates simulated threat scenarios to keep the system current with evolving drone threats.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: $2.2 billion (per 2026 $200M funding round; reported by company and media)
- **Total Funding**: ~$242M (Seed $12M led by Craft Ventures in 2024; Series A $30M led by Craft Ventures in 2025; undisclosed $200M round in 2026)
- **Notable Investors**: Craft Ventures (lead in multiple rounds)
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount grew 262% year-over-year to 131 employees (LinkedIn, 2026)
  - Active job postings increased 392% year-over-year (64 open roles)
  - Recently won a contract for an "Autonomous Identification and Decision" drone solution (FAF contract)
  - Opened Innovation Lab and expanded to a second office (Alexandria, VA)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Passive sensing**: Operates without emitting radar, preserving battlefield stealth.
- **Cost per kill**: Drives engagement costs down to a few dollars per drone.
- **Open architecture**: Integrates with any existing command-and-control system and legacy weapon platforms.
- **Synthetic data generation**: Continuously trains AI models on emerging threats without needing real-world data.
- **Founders’ deep domain expertise**: Navy nuclear engineers with prior startup experience (Luke Allen co-founded Bbot, acquired by DoorDash).

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling production of Bullfrog systems for land and naval platforms.
- Advancing AI/computer vision to defeat larger (Group 3+) UAS and drone swarms.
- Expanding international customer base and partnering with allied defense forces.
- Building a robust supply chain and manufacturing capability in Austin.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission**: Directly contribute to protecting soldiers and changing the economics of drone warfare.
- **Culture**: Described as a remote-friendly organization with a strong engineering focus; HQ in Austin with a satellite office in Alexandria.
- **Work Model**: Remote core, but many roles require on-site presence in Austin for manufacturing and testing.
- **Growth**: Hyper-growth stage – employees have significant ownership and impact.
- **Tech Stack**: State-of-the-art tools: PyTorch, CUDA, Unreal Engine, ROS, Linux, Docker, Git, MLflow, and more.
- **Team**: High density of talent from SpaceX, Firefly, DoorDash, Lockheed Martin, and Carnegie Mellon.
- **Perks**: Not publicly detailed; typical for defense startups include competitive compensation, equity, and a chance to work on cutting-edge hardware-software integration.

## Sources
1. [Allen Control Systems – Company Page](https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/)
2. [Allen Control Systems – About/Team](https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/company)
3. [Allen Control Systems – Careers Page (Greenhouse)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/allencontrolsystems)
4. [Allen Control Systems – LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/allen-control-systems)
5. [Allen Control Systems – Built In](https://builtin.com/company/allen-control-systems)

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