What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager - Army Programs position at Allen Control Systems?
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 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.
About The Role
We are looking for a Program Manager - Army Programs to join our team. This role is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of ACS’s programs supporting the United States Army. You will serve as the primary liaison between Army stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with federal and defense regulations. This is a mission-critical role operating in a fast-paced environment with direct impact on national defense priorities.
What You’ll Do
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 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.
About The Role
We are looking for a Program Manager - Army Programs to join our team. This role is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of ACS’s programs supporting the United States Army. You will serve as the primary liaison between Army stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with federal and defense regulations. This is a mission-critical role operating in a fast-paced environment with direct impact on national defense priorities.
What You’ll Do
- Lead end-to-end program management for Army initiatives, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk, using established frameworks such as the DoD acquisition lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with Army stakeholders including Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and contracting officers; develop and deliver program status reports, briefings, and executive communications.
- Ensure compliance with DoD policies including FAR and DFARS; coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, logistics, finance, and cybersecurity to meet mission requirements.
- Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and oversee subcontractors and vendors supporting Army programs to ensure program success.
- Support proposal development and capture efforts for new Army business opportunities; travel to Army installations or program sites as required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s preferred.
- 7–15 years of program or project management experience, preferably supporting DoD or Army programs.
- Strong understanding of Army structure, operations, and acquisition processes; experience managing cost-plus, fixed-price, or IDIQ contracts.
- Proficiency with program management tools such as MS Project or Earned Value Management systems; strong communication, briefing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
- PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- Prior military service or direct experience working with Army commands.
- Experience supporting major Army commands such as Army Futures Command, TRADOC, or Army Materiel Command.
- Familiarity with Agile methodology in defense environments.
- Competitive salary
- ACS Equity Package
- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off