Manufacturing Quality Manager

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.

About the Role

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is seeking a Manufacturing Quality Manager, to lead the in-process quality, final inspection, and product release functions as we scale our manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring that every system built at ACS is manufactured to specification, properly dispositioned when issues arise, and verified conforming before it ships to the warfighter.

The Manufacturing Quality Manager will lead the Manufacturing Quality team, including quality engineers and in-process and final inspectors, and will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and the Supplier Quality and Compliance teams to establish robust process controls, drive root cause and corrective action, and reduce risk throughout production.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, building processes from the ground up, and working directly on the production floor to solve complex manufacturing and quality challenges. The Manufacturing Quality Manager reports to the QA Director.

What You’ll Do

Manufacturing Quality Leadership

• Own and continuously improve the in-process and final product quality program across the organization.
• Establish manufacturing quality standards, processes, metrics, and expectations aligned with company and customer requirements.
• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Quality team, including quality engineers and in-process and final inspectors.
• Develop quality strategies that support rapid production growth, new product introduction, and manufacturing scalability.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering leadership to identify and mitigate production quality risks.
• Establish clear quality escalation processes and drive accountability for quality performance on the production floor.

In-Process Control & Inspection

• Define and maintain in-process inspection, test, and acceptance criteria based on product risk and process capability.
• Develop and maintain inspection plans, work instructions, and quality checkpoints that are built into the production flow.
• Establish and manage final inspection and final acceptance processes, including functional and acceptance test requirements.
• Own the final quality release of product before shipment, ensuring all records, inspections, and customer requirements are complete.
• Apply measurement system analysis, gauging, and inspection techniques appropriate to the product and production rate.
• Ensure calibrated, fit-for-purpose inspection equipment and tooling are available to support production.

Nonconformance, Root Cause & Corrective Action

• Lead the nonconforming product process, including identification, segregation, documentation, and timely disposition (e.g., Material Review Board).
• Drive structured root cause analysis and corrective action using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and CAPA.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented effectively, verified for effectiveness, and closed on time.
• Implement containment actions when quality issues threaten production or product already built or shipped.
• Analyze nonconformance, yield, and defect trends to proactively identify systemic risks and improvement opportunities.
• Drive reductions in defects, rework, scrap, and production disruptions.
• Coordinate with Supplier Quality when nonconformances are traced to purchased material or supplier processes.

Production & New Product Introduction

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality during new product introduction and production ramp.
• Ensure manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and quality controls are ready to meet increasing production volumes without compromising quality.
• Review drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements with Manufacturing and Engineering to confirm they are clear, measurable, and producible.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) and production qualification activities.
• Participate in design and manufacturability reviews to identify potential quality risks early in the product lifecycle.
• Develop process controls such as PFMEAs, control plans, and statistical process control where appropriate.

Quality Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain quality metrics and reporting, such as first pass yield, defect rates, escape rates, cost of poor quality, and corrective action performance.
• Use data to prioritize improvement efforts and track the effectiveness of changes over time.
• Work with Manufacturing to apply lean and continuous improvement practices that improve quality and throughput.
• Communicate quality risks, trends, and corrective action status to leadership.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Support and maintain process and product quality procedures consistent with ISO 9001, customer, and DCMA requirements, in partnership with the Compliance team.
• Ensure inspection records, certifications, traceability, and quality records are complete and properly maintained.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits related to production and product quality.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and documentation for the Manufacturing Quality function.
• Ensure production personnel understand and comply with applicable engineering specifications, contractual requirements, and quality standards.

Team & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for significant in-process and product quality issues.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, and Compliance to resolve quality challenges.
• Hire, mentor, and develop quality engineers and inspectors, and set clear expectations and goals.
• Develop scalable quality processes and tools as ACS continues to grow.
• Help build the Manufacturing Quality function as organizational needs expand.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing quality, quality engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of leadership or team management experience preferred.
• Experience working in a complex hardware manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of in-process and final inspection, nonconforming material control and disposition, corrective actions, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems.
• Experience with FAI/AS9102, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and inspection planning preferred.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, manufacturing processes, and inspection techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead corrective actions and drive measurable improvements in product quality and yield.
• Experience developing quality KPIs and performance reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment where processes and priorities continue to evolve.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the production floor and to travel occasionally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other highly regulated hardware manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting low-volume/high-mix manufacturing transitioning into higher-rate production.
• Experience developing or scaling a quality organization.
• Experience with DCMA, government customer, or source inspection and release requirements.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP and Quality Management Systems.
• ASQ certifications such as CQE, CQA, or CMQ/OE are a plus.
• Experience with machined components, fabricated assemblies, electronics, electromechanical systems, or complex system integration and test.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• ACS Equity Package
• Health, Dental, and 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.