Strategic Account Manager, U.S. Air Force Growth

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, and recently strengthened by a Series B to scale manufacturing and accelerate deployment of Bullfrog™, 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 Strategic Account Manager, U.S. Air Force Growth to drive growth across the Air Force acquisition ecosystem. You will identify, shape, capture, and scale opportunities that align with ACS’s counter-UxS portfolio, serving as the connective tissue between customers, product management, engineering, operations, and executive leadership to ensure ACS is building the right products for the right programs at the right time.

This role is based in Washington, D.C. / Northern Virginia or Huntsville, AL (preferred), with Austin, TX or remote (CONUS) as alternative locations.

What You’ll Do:

Develop and execute ACS’s U.S. Air Force growth strategy, building multi-year campaign plans aligned to Air Force budget cycles, modernization priorities, and acquisition pathways; track Air Force POM, budget, congressional, and acquisition activity to identify future opportunities.
Engage operational users, program executive offices, program managers, and other acquisition stakeholders to shape requirements ahead of formal solicitation; drive adoption of ACS technologies into Air Force concepts, requirements documents, and capability development efforts.
Own strategic opportunities from identification through contract award, leading capture teams and developing capture plans, competitive assessments, win strategies, and customer engagement plans; coordinate cross-functional resources to maximize probability of win.
Establish and maintain trusted relationships across Air Force acquisition, modernization, and operational organizations, representing ACS at conferences, industry days, and demonstrations relevant to go-to-market.
Translate customer feedback into actionable product requirements, partnering with engineering and product leadership to keep the roadmap aligned with Air Force priorities.
Build and lead cross-functional pursuit teams, coordinating stakeholders across engineering, product, finance, operations, contracts, and executive leadership.

What You’ll Need:

10+ years of experience in defense business development, capture management, military acquisition, or operational leadership, with a proven record of winning and growing DoD programs.
Deep understanding of Air Force acquisition processes and organizations, including budgeting, POM cycles, and funding mechanisms.
Demonstrated experience shaping requirements prior to formal solicitation, and experience leading complex captures valued at $25M or more.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Political Science, Military Studies, or a related field; exceptional communication, presentation, and executive engagement skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

You’ll Stand Out:

Former Air Force officer, acquisition professional, program manager, senior government civilian, or proven defense industry growth leader, ideally within a high-growth defense technology company.
Existing relationships across Air Force acquisition and modernization organizations.
Experience transitioning programs from prototype to Program of Record.
Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, counter-UAS, force protection, air defense, sensors, command and control, or advanced weapons systems.
Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.

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.

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