Test Operations Engineer

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 have a real-world impact.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Test Operations Engineer to execute live field test events and serve as the technical link between the ACS system and the engineering team. You will be on the ground running tests, capturing data, troubleshooting issues across hardware and software, and feeding actionable findings back to engineering. We are building a team with complementary strengths, and welcome candidates who lean toward hardware/electrical, software/integration, or instrumentation and data collection.

What You’ll Do

• Execute live test events and support end-to-end field test operations, including system setup, checkout, validation, and post-test teardown.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, electrical, mechanical, and integration issues in the field; diagnose problems across system boundaries and communicate findings clearly to engineering.
• Collect, organize, and report test data, observations, anomalies, and recommendations; assist with instrumentation, logs, video capture, and other methods of documenting system performance.
• Help translate engineering objectives into executable field tests with clear pass/fail criteria; build and refine repeatable test processes, checklists, and readiness procedures.
• Support rehearsals, demonstrations, validations, and other high-visibility test events; work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and program teams to rapidly identify issues and drive corrective action.
• Operate effectively in dynamic field environments where schedules and priorities can shift quickly; work independently with limited guidance and maintain a strong safety culture at all times.
  
  

What You’ll Need

• Engineering degree or 5 years of relevant hands-on experience in robotics, electromechanical systems, systems integration, test engineering, or a comparable technical field.
• Strong troubleshooting ability across hardware and software; comfortable working around sensors, actuators, control systems, power systems, and networked equipment.
• Programming familiarity is required; enough to understand interfaces, automation, telemetry, logging, and debugging in a practical engineering environment. Linux experience is a plus, particularly for candidates with a software/integration focus.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and reporting technical test data; mechanically inclined and comfortable with tools, system setup, teardown, and reconfiguration in the field.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to provide clear, useful feedback to engineers and leadership and comfortable operating in outdoor/range environments under strict safety procedures.
  
  

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.