Director of Computer Vision and Machine Learning
Director-level role at defense tech company Allen Control Systems (maker of the Bullfrog autonomous counter-drone system) in Austin, TX. Leads the computer vision, ML, and tracking teams — translating executive AI strategy into roadmaps and standards while staying hands-on with code and models. Core stack: Python, C++, PyTorch, TensorRT, OpenCV.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Austin, TX
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Category
- Ml / AI
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- 10-15 years of experience in computer vision and/or machine learning, with 3+ years leading managers or multiple teams
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
- Deep expertise in at least one of: object detection, multi-object tracking, sensor fusion, or deep learning for perception
- Strong programming skills in Python, with familiarity in C++ and frameworks including PyTorch, TensorRT, and OpenCV
- Proven track record taking CV/ML systems from research through production deployment
- Demonstrated success collaborating across software, mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines to deliver complex products on schedule
- Excellent communication skills engaging with staff engineers, peers, and C-level executives
- Comfort operating in a flat, collaborative, low-ego, high-ownership organization
Nice to have
- Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
- 15-20 years of experience leading managers across multiple teams, with experience scaling computer vision/ML organizations beyond a single team
- Experience with real-time or embedded perception systems, including model optimization and edge deployment
- Familiarity with tracking algorithms such as Kalman filters and data association methods
- Familiarity with MLOps practices, large-scale training pipelines, and data engineering
- Systems engineering experience including requirements decomposition, interface definition, and verification
- Experience in a domain such as autonomous systems, robotics, defense, surveillance, or sports analytics
- Publications, patents, or open-source contributions in the field
Full description
Company Overview
ACS (Allen Control Systems) is a defense technology company building precision robotic systems for the United States and its allies. Founded by two former U.S. Navy electrical engineers with deep experience in robotics and software, ACS brings together AI, computer vision, precision motion, and advanced hardware to solve complex defense challenges across land, air, and maritime environments.
Our flagship product, Bullfrog, is an autonomous precision weapon system that transforms existing weapons into highly accurate counter-drone systems — giving warfighters a scalable, cost-effective response to one of the fastest-growing threats on the modern battlefield. Bullfrog is deployed with U.S. forces, and ACS works with organizations throughout the U.S. military and national security community.
Following a $200 million Series B at a $2.2 billion valuation, ACS is rapidly expanding manufacturing, accelerating Bullfrog deployments, and developing the next generation of autonomous battlefield systems. This is an opportunity to join a proven, fast-moving team and help scale technology with direct, real-world impact on national security.
ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional operations in Alexandria, Virginia; Mountain View, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit .
About The Role
We are looking for a Director of Computer Vision/Machine Learning to bridge executive AI strategy and day-to-day technical execution for Bullfrog™'s perception and tracking systems. You will translate the VP / Chief Engineer of AI's vision into clear priorities, roadmaps, and standards for the Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Tracking teams, while staying hands-on: reviewing code, digging into data, and helping solve the hardest problems alongside staff engineers and leads across software, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering. You will also build direct working relationships with other VPs, Chief Engineers, and executive leadership, representing CV/ML/Tracking in technical and schedule discussions across the company.
What You'll Do
- Translate the VP / Chief Engineer of AI's vision and technical strategy into actionable plans, milestones, and priorities for the CV, ML, and Tracking teams; serve as the primary communication channel carrying direction down and status, risk, and insights up.
- Manage, coach, and develop the managers of the CV/ML and Tracking teams, holding them accountable for delivery, performance, and team health; mentor engineers and technical leads and help identify and grow future leaders.
- Partner with software, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering to solve problems no single discipline can solve alone, including sensor selection and placement, optics, compute and power constraints, and thermal limits.