Controls Engineer

Allen Control Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ACS Equity Package

Paid Time Off

Job summary

A cutting-edge defense startup is seeking a Controls Engineer to design advanced control algorithms for UAV systems. This role involves developing motor control systems and collaborating closely with teams to integrate controls into autonomous platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in controls engineering, particularly with Python, and a passion for autonomous systems. Benefits include an equity package and paid time off, contributing to a dynamic work environment where your work directly impacts mission success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in controls engineering with proven proficiency in Python.
• Experience developing flight control systems, motor control algorithms, or real-time control applications.
• Familiarity with control theory, PID tuning, and feedback control loops.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced robot control algorithms for UAV tracking.
• Develop motor control systems for high-precision actuation.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate control systems.

Skills

Controls engineering

Python programming

Collaboration

Real-time systems

Motor control algorithms

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field

Tools

Git

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

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.

About The Role

Controls Engineer – Focus on robot dynamics, motor controls, and precision real‑time systems for next‑generation autonomous weapon platforms. Requires strong experience with Python and controls development; exposure to C, C++ and MATLAB is helpful but not mandatory. Unique opportunity to work in a fast‑paced startup where your work directly influences system performance and mission success.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement advanced robot control algorithms for UAV tracking and stabilization.
• Develop and refine motor control systems for high‑precision actuation in real‑time applications.
• Build simulation and testing tools in Python to validate control systems.
• Collaborate closely with embedded software engineers, hardware teams, and computer vision specialists to integrate control systems into our autonomous platforms.
• Analyze system dynamics and performance, and develop solutions for complex control challenges.
• Support system integration, tuning, and field testing of autonomous systems.
• Document control strategies, algorithms, and performance metrics.
• Stay current with advancements in control theory, robotics, and real‑time systems.

What You’ll Need

• A strong passion for controls engineering and autonomous systems.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in controls engineering with proven proficiency in Python.
• Experience developing flight control systems, motor control algorithms, or real‑time control applications.
• Familiarity with control theory, PID tuning, state estimation, and feedback control loops.
• Experience with simulation environments and test frameworks (Python‑based preferred).Understanding of real‑time constraints and hardware‑software integration challenges.
• Comfortable with Git, CI/CD workflows, and writing clean, maintainable, well‑tested code.
• A desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced startup environment.

You’ll Stand Out

• Experience with embedded systems programming (C, C++).
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and simulation.
• Experience developing autonomous aerial or ground robotic platforms.
• Familiarity with sensor fusion, state estimation, and Kalman filtering.
• Familiarity with MIMO systems and adaptive and nonlinear control mechanisms.
• Exposure to hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) or software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) testing environments.
• Prior experience with ruggedized defense or aerospace systems.

What We Offer

• ACS Equity Package.
• 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.