Computer Programmer Associate Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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.

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.

Compensation Range: $74K - $134K