Contract Manufacturing Manager

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 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, making this 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 CM Manager, your primary mission is to stand up and validate a robust network of Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure we are ready to absorb peak demand levels. You will be the strategic architect of our external manufacturing ecosystem, identifying partners and managing them through "crawl, walk, run" projects tailored to their specific strengths. This role requires a blend of strategic negotiation, technical liaison skills, and hands-on relationship management to transition our autonomous defense systems from the lab to high-volume production. 

What You’ll Do:

• Network Strategy: Identify, vet, and stand up a diverse network of CMs to ensure readiness for rapid scaling and peak demand. 
• Project Phasing: Design and execute "crawl, walk, run" validation projects, matching specific turret components or subsystems to the unique strengths of each partner. 
• Strategic Partnering: Lead the development and negotiation of strategic partnering agreements to secure long-term capacity and alignment. 
• Technical Liaison: Act as the primary bridge between Engineering and external partners; you must be able to answer basic Technical Queries (TQs) and navigate internal functions to keep production moving. 
• On-Site Management: Perform regular site visits to manage partner relationships and oversee production quality first-hand. 
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (or more as required) to visit regional and national manufacturing sites. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Education: BS in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or operations 
• Technical Competence: Sufficient technical depth to understand robotics and control systems and address foundational engineering queries (TQs). 
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess a CM's "strong suit" and align it with the appropriate stage of the product roadmap. 
• Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment where technical challenges are frequent and dynamic. 

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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