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 foundersโ 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 Test Team Deputy Director to serve as the senior execution leader responsible for transforming the Test Operations Directorโs strategic direction into disciplined, coordinated, and safe daily operations. You are the central operational integrator for all planning and field activity, driving the processes and coordination required to execute complex tests reliably, safely, and on schedule for commercial customers, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government partners. This role requires the ability to travel and support field test campaigns and demonstrations.
What Youโll Do
Convert the Test Operations Directorโs strategic intent into detailed operational plans, resourcing actions, and execution frameworks; direct day-to-day synchronization of all test operations including briefs, rehearsals, and planning cycles across engineering, safety, range control, and external evaluators.
Oversee readiness and allocation of all personnel, turrets, vehicles, instrumentation, targets, communications systems, and support assets; lead operational risk management to ensure controls are implemented, verified, and enforced throughout planning and execution.
Oversee on-range execution to maintain tempo, flow, safety, scenario integrity, and communication during live-fire events; provide real-time decision making and problem solving to maintain safe and continuous operations under dynamic test conditions.
Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for commercial customers, U.S. government observers, and foreign government representatives during field tests and demonstrations; direct preparation, setup, and execution of all demonstration events.
Manage operational documentation including operations orders, test plans, schedules, safety documentation, briefings, and after-action materials; lead post-event recovery, accountability, and reset; capture operational insights and contribute to continuous process improvement.
What Youโll Need
Experience in test operations, range operations, system testing, or military/defense live-fire environments; strong understanding of safety processes, risk-based operations, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to synchronize complex, multi-disciplinary operations in high-tempo conditions; demonstrated strength in communication, coordination, and operational leadership across technical teams.
Youโll Stand Out
What We Offer
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