Safety Manager

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.

We are seeking an experienced safety professional to lead and scale our manufacturing safety program. This role will own the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety policies, training, compliance systems, and hazard controls across our facility. Our work involves industrial manufacturing processes, hazardous materials, high-energy systems, and emerging weapons-related technologies—so this role requires strong judgment, technical credibility, and the confidence to stop unsafe work when necessary. 

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will spend time on the production floor, working directly with manufacturing, engineering, and leadership to proactively identify risks, strengthen safeguards, and build a culture where safety is a shared responsibility. 

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as a safety professional in an industrial or manufacturing environment 
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) 
• Experience developing and implementing safety programs in high-risk environments 
• Experience conducting hazard analyses and risk assessments
• Experience supporting field testing operations 
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence at all levels of the organization 
• Ability and willingness to spend significant time on the production floor 
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent certification
• Experience with explosives or ordnance safety 
• Firearms safety experience 
• Experience applying MIL-STD-882 or similar system safety frameworks 
• Experience with high-power laser safety standards (ANSI Z136.1, MIL-HDBK-828) 
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries