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