Electrical Engineer

Staff Electrical Engineer, Embedded Systems

Location:

Austin, TX

Salary: $80,000 – $160,000 (estimated). Posted 3 months ago.

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 a highly skilled senior electrical designer with strong expertise in schematic design, electrical simulation, printed circuit board (PCB) design, and firmware development in C++. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in developing robust, high‑performance electrical systems that integrate seamlessly with our electromechanical components, helping to ensure our products meet rigorous military‑grade requirements. The candidate will contribute to both power and embedded design for our highly dynamic robotic systems, and develop, optimize, and implement embedded software for real‑time control of our systems.

• Design and develop detailed electrical schematics and PCB layouts that meet performance and durability requirements for autonomous turret systems, including embedded and power circuits.
• Design and implement embedded software in C++ and Python, focusing on real‑time responsiveness and efficiency for autonomous defense applications.
• Perform simulations for signal integrity, thermal management, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to ensure robust and reliable designs.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and software teams to integrate electrical and mechanical components, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in harsh environments.
• Lead the development of high‑quality printed circuit boards, adhering to best practices in layout, signal integrity, power distribution, and EMC considerations per military standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation of designs, including schematics, PCB layouts, simulation results, and test protocols.
• Conduct extensive testing, simulation, and debugging in both lab and field environments, troubleshooting and optimizing electronics and software for various real‑world conditions.
• Continuously improve code performance and reduce power consumption to maximize system efficiency on hardware‑constrained platforms.

• 9+ years of experience in electrical and firmware design, including schematic design, software, electrical simulation, and PCB layout.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of microcontroller‑based control systems, including power conversion and motor drive.
• Expertise with electrical design and PCB layout tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Eagle.
• Proficiency with simulation software (e.g., SPICE, ANSYS Electronics) for evaluating circuit behavior under various environmental and operational stresses.
• Proven experience integrating electrical components with mechanical systems, such as sensors, motors, and actuators.
• Hands‑on experience with testing methodologies, equipment, and protocols for validation of designs against military standards.
• 5+ years of embedded software development with a focus on real‑time, safety‑critical systems.
• Extensive experience in C++ for embedded systems, with additional proficiency in Python for scripting and development.
• Hands‑on experience designing and deploying software for robotics applications, focusing on real‑time control and responsiveness.
• Ability to integrate software with various sensors, actuators, and control hardware in robotic and autonomous systems.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in…