Innovation Lab Solutions Lead
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 and defense acquisition challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for skilled professionals.
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 have a real-world impact.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an Innovation Lab Solutions Lead to drive the identification, framing, and submission of high-impact opportunities across DoD and federal solicitations. This individual will transform emerging technical concepts into compelling proposals and white papers that clearly articulate ACS’s differentiated value in counter-UAS and autonomous systems. This role blends systems thinking, technical storytelling, and operational execution — working directly with engineering, operations, contracting, and executive leadership.
What You’ll Do:
- Monitor and interpret federal solicitations (SBIR, BAA, OTA, xTech, RFI, RFP) and map them to ACS CUAS capabilities and Innovation Lab roadmaps.
- Recommend bid/no-bid decisions with clear strategic justification and identify whitespace opportunities where ACS can shape future requirements.
- Collaborate with engineering to prototype and structure early-stage ideas into coherent technical approaches aligned to solicitation needs.
- Write and lead development of white papers, quad charts, SBIR volumes, concept papers, and full technical proposals.
- Own narrative architecture and technical storytelling — translating engineering input into compelling, compliant proposal language.
- Ensure clarity and consistency of ACS product descriptions, capabilities, and strategic vision across all submissions.
- Coordinate input across engineering, operations, contracts, finance, and executive leadership to build cohesive, high-quality submissions.
- Drive content integration, manage review cycles, and lead red team inputs.
- Conduct competitive landscape analysis across CUAS and autonomous systems to identify and articulate ACS differentiators.
- Develop and maintain proposal templates, submission frameworks, compliance matrices, and timeline checklists.
- Manage deadlines and submission workflows to ensure compliant proposals are complete well ahead of due dates.
- Build and maintain a structured library of reusable technical content including diagrams, performance metrics, past performance narratives, and boilerplate compliance language.
What You’ll Need:
- 5+ years of experience in DoD proposal development, technical capture, or related federal acquisition roles.
- Proven success supporting SBIR, OTA, BAA, or Army innovation programs.
- Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into persuasive, structured narrative.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-stakes deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Experience with applicant tracking systems and proposal management tools.
- Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Technical Writing, or a related field.
- Startup or small business experience is a plus.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- 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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