Program Manager, Marine Corps

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 an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.

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.

About The Role

We are looking for a Program Manager – Marine Corps Programs to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of programs supporting the United States Marine Corps. You will serve as the primary interface between ACS, Marine Corps stakeholders, contracting organizations, and internal engineering teams across Counter-UAS, autonomous systems, and emerging defense technologies. This is a role for a PM who is actively in the game – executing programs, managing budgets and schedules, and navigating Marine Corps acquisition environments day-to-day. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on operational capability delivery to the warfighter. Travel to Marine Corps installations, customer sites, and operational events is required.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end program execution for Marine Corps programs, managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, and customer expectations; serve as the primary ACS interface to Marine Corps program offices, operational units, contracting organizations, and acquisition commands.
• Manage cross-functional program execution across engineering, operations, logistics, manufacturing, and finance; track performance, risks, milestones, and contractual obligations; provide regular status updates to customers and executive leadership.
• Maintain compliance with FAR, DFARS, and DoD acquisition requirements; manage Marine Corps customer and contracting relationships; support proposal development, capture efforts, and follow-on opportunities within the Marine Corps and broader defense community.
• Coordinate demonstrations, fielding events, customer engagements, and operational evaluations; travel to Marine Corps installations and customer sites in support of program execution.

What You’ll Need

• 7+ years of program management experience in the defense industry, currently or recently employed by a defense contractor, integrator, or defense technology company supporting DoD customers; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of Marine Corps organizations, acquisition processes, and contracting environments; experience working directly with contracting officers, program offices, acquisition personnel, and operational stakeholders.
• Experience managing government contracts including cost-plus, fixed-price, OTA, IDIQ, and other federal contract vehicles; experience creating and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules using Microsoft Project or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, briefing, and stakeholder management skills; active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred).

You’ll Stand Out

• Prior service in the United States Marine Corps with post-military civilian-side program management experience in the defense industry.
• Direct experience supporting Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), Program Executive Offices, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, or other Marine Corps acquisition organizations; existing relationships within Marine Corps acquisition, contracting, or operational communities.
• Experience with Counter-UAS, UAS, autonomous systems, or weapons systems programs.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials; Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.

What We Offer

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