---
title: 'Mechanical Engineer, Associate at Allen Control Systems'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-associate-allen-control-systems-austin-2tm84dgyq9qa'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Mechanical Engineer, Associate at Allen Control Systems

- **Company:** [Allen Control Systems](https://feeny.ai/companies/allen-control-systems)
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-05-05
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/allen-control-systems/3f71ede3-185a-4782-86a9-ebf1e9f55cc6/application

**Skills:** 3D CAD software, SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, FEA, Modal analysis, Vibration analysis, Thermal analysis, MIL-STD-810, Mechanical simulation, ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, EMC considerations, MIL-STD-461, MIL-S-901D, Rapid prototyping, Additive manufacturing, Fluid dynamics, heat transfer, shock absorption systems

> The Associate Mechanical Engineer supports the design and development of an autonomous counter-drone platform, focusing on mechanical systems robustness under MIL-STD-810 specifications. Responsibilities include running simulations, collaborating on electromechanical integration, and assisting with prototype testing...

## 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

We are looking for an Associate Mechanical Engineer to join the ACS team and contribute to the design and development of our autonomous counter-drone platform. This is an early-career role well suited for a recent graduate or engineer with up to 2 years of experience who has a strong foundation in mechanical design, simulation, and electromechanical integration. You will work alongside senior engineers on real hardware that operates in demanding environments, learning fast and contributing from day one.

## What You’ll Do

- Support design and development of mechanical systems under MIL-STD-810 specifications, including robustness under vibration, shock, thermal, and environmental conditions.
- Run mechanical simulations including FEA, modal, vibration, and thermal analysis to assess durability and reliability of designs under operational stress.
- Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers to integrate electromechanical components including wiring harnesses, sensors, and actuators into mechanical structures.
- Support prototype development, testing, and validation; help develop and document mechanical design specifications, drawings, simulation reports, and test protocols.
- Participate in cross-functional design reviews, applying DFM and DFR principles and helping identify mechanical and electromechanical risks early in the development cycle.

## What You’ll Need

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks (preferred), CATIA, or Creo; coursework or hands-on experience with FEA, modal, and thermal simulation tools such as ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation.
- Foundational understanding of MIL-STD-810 requirements for mechanical durability including vibration, shock, temperature, and humidity testing.
- Interest in electromechanical integration and an eagerness to learn how mechanical structures interact with electrical systems such as sensors, actuators, and wiring harnesses.
- A passion for designing robust mechanical systems for harsh environments and a strong desire to work on hardware that has real-world defense impact.

You’ll Stand Out

- Any direct exposure to MIL-STD-810 testing such as vibration, temperature, or shock, including through coursework, internships, or research projects.
- Familiarity with EMC considerations in mechanical design, or awareness of MIL-STD-461 and MIL-S-901D standards.
- Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing through personal projects, capstone work, or internships.
- Background or interest in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, or shock absorption systems.

## 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.

## 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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