Technical Writer

Allen Control Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Allen Control Systems, a defense startup in Austin, Texas, is looking for an experienced Technical Writer. In this role, you will develop, organize, and maintain technical documentation for their autonomous counter-drone system. Responsibilities include creating user manuals and ensuring compliance with DoD standards. Ideal candidates will have 3-7 years of technical writing experience, familiarity with military specifications, and proficiency in documentation tools such as Adobe FrameMaker and MS Office Suite. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in technical writing, focusing on defense, aerospace, robotics, or hardware systems.
• Start-up exposure: comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience managing technical illustrations and diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Gather and document technical information on autonomous turret platform.
• Create and maintain operator manuals, user guides, and safety documentation.
• Develop government-facing deliverables compliant with DoD standards.

Skills

Technical writing

Familiarity with DoD documentation standards

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Experience with tight deadlines

Tools

Adobe FrameMaker

MS Office Suite

Confluence

XML editors

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 professionals.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Writer to develop, organize, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for ACS’s autonomous counter‑drone system. This role requires a strong ability to translate complex engineering concepts across robotics, computer vision, and embedded control systems into clear, accurate, and compliant publications that support operators, field users, and government customers.

What You’ll Do

• Work directly with ACS engineers and founders to gather and document technical information on the autonomous turret platform, including computer vision systems, control systems, robotics hardware, and embedded software.
• Create and maintain operator manuals, user guides, system integration documents, maintenance procedures, and safety documentation for ACS’s counter‑drone system.
• Develop government‑facing technical deliverables compliant with applicable DoD and MIL‑SPEC standards (e.g., MIL‑STD‑40051, S1000D, or applicable Technical Orders).
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to document hardware assembly, wiring, and maintenance procedures for the autonomous turret platform.
• Support proposal efforts and contract deliverables by producing technical narratives, SOWs, and program documentation for government customers.
• Manage document version control and maintain consistency across all publication types as the ACS product evolves rapidly.
• Prepare and submit documentation deliverables to government agencies and program offices, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and review timelines.

What You’ll Need

• 3-7 years of experience in technical writing, with at least some focus on defense, aerospace, robotics, or hardware systems.
• Start‑up exposure: comfortable working in a fast‑moving environment with limited process and high autonomy.
• Familiarity with DoD documentation standards, ITAR compliance requirements, and MIL‑SPEC writing guidelines (e.g., MIL‑STD‑40051, S1000D).
• Experience managing technical illustrations, system diagrams, and schematics within documentation for complex hardware or electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in documentation tools (Adobe FrameMaker, MS Office Suite, Confluence, XML editors).
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deliverables in a fast‑paced environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 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.