Software Engineering Intern, 2027

Allen Control Systems; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Allen Control Systems in Austin, TX is seeking a Software Engineer Intern for Summer 2027 to join the robotics and defense systems team. You’ll contribute to real-time software, embedded interfaces, and sensor integration alongside our engineers.

This on-site internship offers hands-on ownership, mentorship from seasoned engineers, and opportunities to work on Bullfrog software across hardware-in-the-loop environments.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Coursework or project experience in C++, Python, Kotlin, or Java.
• Interest in real-time, embedded, or systems-level software.
• Builder mindset with a willingness to ship and iterate.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers building the Bullfrog autonomous systems.
• Work on real-time software, embedded Linux apps, and tooling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on intern projects.

Skills

C++

Python

Kotlin

Java

Education

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Job description

Company Overview
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.

Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2026

Our interns aren't fetching coffee or shadowing - they're working alongside the same engineers building the systems we ship. This is early-career work with real stakes.

Location: Austin, TX (on-site)

Duration: Summer 2027 (~10-12 wks)

Pay: Paid internship

What You Could Work On:

• Software that connects sensors, computer vision models, and control systems into a working autonomous weapon system

• Real-time systems where latency and reliability actually matter - not just a nice-to-have

• Tools and interfaces engineers and operators use every day, from embedded Linux applications to internal tooling

• Full-stack or backend projects supporting engineering, manufacturing, or field operations

What We're Looking For:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

• Coursework or project experience in one or more of C++, Python, Kotlin, or Java

• Curiosity about real-time, embedded, or systems-level software - you don't need to be an expert yet

• A builder's mindset: you'd rather ship something and iterate than wait for a perfect spec

Why ACS:

• Direct impact: your work ships on hardware being fielded to protect real people - not stuck in a slide deck.

• Real ownership: no red tape. You'll work directly with the engineers building Bullfrog, from day one.

• Small team, big scope: at a startup this size, interns take on real problems, not busywork.

• Mentorship from engineers who've designed and fielded real defense systems.

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.