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Senior Industrial Designer

Allen Control Systems, Austin, TX, United States


Company Overview Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting‑edge defense startup founded by two ex‑Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, creating an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.

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.

Position Overview As the Senior Industrial Engineer, your primary mission is to design, stand up, and scale new manufacturing facilities to support rapid production of autonomous defense systems. This is a rare opportunity to build factories from the ground up within a rapidly expanding company—defining how we launch new sites, replicate success, and scale operations across multiple locations.

You will focus on creating repeatable, high‑performance manufacturing systems—owning factory layout, material flow, and production design from initial concept through operational ramp. This role requires a hands‑on builder who can translate production goals into fully functioning factories and deploy those systems across sites with speed and consistency.

What You’ll Do

Lead the planning and execution of new manufacturing site launches, from greenfield layout through production ramp.

Develop standardized layouts, material flow models, and production systems that can be replicated and scaled across multiple facilities.

Design efficient facility layouts and end‑to‑end material flow (receiving → storage → kitting → line‑side → shipping) to support high‑throughput operations.

Define and implement production lines, workstations, and labor models aligned to takt time and output targets.

Build capacity models and ramp plans for new and existing sites, identifying constraints and scaling strategies.

Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to deploy tooling, fixtures, and factory infrastructure required to bring new sites online.

Establish standardized processes, work instructions, and operating models to ensure consistency across locations.

Work closely with Supply Chain, Facilities, Quality, and Production to ensure each site is fully operational at launch.

Drive improvements across sites by leveraging data, feedback loops, and shared best practices.

What You’ll Need

Education: BS in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

Relevant Experience: 7+ years in manufacturing or industrial engineering, with direct experience standing up new production lines, factories, or major facility expansions.

Factory Build Experience: Proven track record of taking a facility or production area from concept to operational readiness.

Multi‑Site Mindset: Experience supporting or scaling manufacturing across multiple locations with a focus on standardization and repeatability.

Technical Competence

Expertise in factory layout and flow planning tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).

Strong foundation in lean manufacturing (value stream mapping, line balancing, waste reduction).

Experience with capacity modeling and production ramp planning.

Execution Focus: Ability to operate at both the planning level and hands‑on on the factory floor during site bring‑up.

Builder Mentality: Comfortable working in ambiguous environments and creating structure where none exists.

Adaptability: Thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment with evolving production demands.

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.

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