Safety Manager

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 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. Position Overview 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.  What You’ll Do: Safety Program Leadership  Own and formalize the company-wide safety program, policies, and procedures  Ensure compliance with OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations  Establish and maintain a strong safety culture and stop-work authority framework  Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and inspections  Hazard Analysis & Risk Management  Lead hazard analyses and safety studies for manufacturing processes (e.g., MIL-STD-882 or similar methodologies)  Partner with engineering to implement “design for safety” principles  Oversee Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), lift limits, machine guarding, and keep-out zones  Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with high-power lasers (ANSI Z136.1), industrial equipment, and future explosive ordnance integration  Specialized Safety Oversight  Develop safety protocols for firearms handling, weapons integration, and explosive materials (as applicable to future programs)  Support safe planning and execution of field-testing activities  Oversee chemical safety, storage, disposal, and digital SDS systems  Ensure appropriate PPE programs, respiratory protection, and facility zoning  Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response  Develop and maintain emergency action plans, evacuation maps, and muster procedures  Oversee fire protection systems, extinguisher programs, and drill coordination  Establish and manage incident reporting and corrective action processes  Coordinate first aid, AED, trauma kits, and responder training  Training & Documentation  Implement and manage a structured safety training program  Oversee machine-specific, forklift, laser, and specialized safety training  Maintain training documentation and compliance records  Lead regular safety meetings and reporting cadence  Continuous Improvement  Analyze safety metrics, near-misses, and observations  Drive corrective actions and long-term preventative measures  Continuously elevate safety standards as operations evolve What You’ll Need:  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  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. #LI-AS1 Offices: (Austin);