Deputy Director of Manufacturing
Job Description
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.
Position Overview:
The Deputy Director of Manufacturing serves as the operational leader responsible for executing daily manufacturing operations while helping scale ACS into a world-class production organization. Reporting to the VP of Manufacturing, this role ensures production goals, quality standards, safety initiatives, and operational excellence objectives are consistently achieved.
The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and enjoys building teams, developing leaders, improving processes, and solving complex operational challenges.
This position will initially be based in our Austin facility before transitioning to our new manufacturing campus in Pflugerville, TX during Q3/Q4 2026.
What You'll Do:
Manufacturing Operations Leadership
Help lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across multiple production areas
Drive production performance to meet delivery, quality, cost, and safety objectives
Partner with Production Managers and Supervisors to optimize throughput and resource utilization
Remove operational bottlenecks and rapidly resolve production issues
Ensure manufacturing schedules are executed while maintaining flexibility for changing priorities
Operational Excellence
Develop scalable manufacturing systems, standard work, and visual management processes
Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout operations
Establish and monitor KPIs including:
Safety
Quality
On-Time Delivery
Throughput
Labor Efficiency
Inventory Accuracy
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions
Team Leadership & Development
Build, coach, and mentor Manufacturing Managers, Supervisors, and production leaders
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Develop succession plans and leadership development programs
Partner with Recruiting and HR to support workforce planning and hiring efforts
Promote employee engagement while maintaining high performance standards
Production Scaling
Support the transition from low-rate to full-rate production
Develop capacity planning strategies aligned with company growth
Improve production flow, line balancing, and manufacturing efficiency
Partner with Engineering to ensure manufacturability of new products
Lead production readiness activities for new product introductions (NPI)
Cross-Functional Partnership
Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Facilities, Finance, and Program Management
Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules
Support design reviews with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback
Drive cross-functional problem solving to improve manufacturing performance
Safety & Compliance
Champion a proactive safety culture across manufacturing operations
Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards
Support implementation of EHS initiatives
Maintain compliance with quality management systems and regulatory requirements
Site Expansion
Support operational planning for the transition into ACS's new Pflugerville manufacturing facility
Assist with facility startup activities including equipment moves, workflow optimization, staffing, and production ramp
Help establish scalable manufacturing systems to support future company growth
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field
10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
5+ years leading managers and multiple manufacturing departments
Experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles
Experience with ERP/MRP systems
Proven success leading cross-functional teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and leadership abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
Experience supporting new facility launches or manufacturing expansions
Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI)
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems
Experience working with DoD or government programs
Success in This Role
Within your first year, you will:
Improve manufacturing throughput while maintaining exceptional quality
Help successfully transition operations into our new Pflugerville facility
Build a high-performing manufacturing leadership team
Establish scalable production processes that support rapid company growth
Improve key operational metrics across safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency
Become a trusted operational partner to executive leadership
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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