Senior Director, US Manufacturing Operations

We are looking for a Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations to lead our US manufacturing operations. In this role, you will be responsible for managing a team of highly talented managers, line supervisors, and technicians to manufacture multiple Anduril product lines. This is a highly dynamic role that requires both technical and frontline people management skills. This role is at the forefront of delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering team development, and overseeing operations at multiple manufacturing site locations.
As a Senior Director in the Production organization, you must be a technical leader with the expertise to evaluate, qualify, manage, and advocate for an increasing number of sophisticated parallel pursuits. This role is crucial in ensuring that each manufacturing site and operations align with the company's strategic direction and receives the appropriate resourcing, in addition to balancing innovation with practical execution to drive the business line's manufacturing operational success.
Success in this role demands consistent achievement across hardware production, team management, manufacturing operations, and financial goals. The ideal candidate combines technical acumen with effective communication, strong time-management skills, and a passion for leading transformative change. The ideal candidate should be energetic, highly organized, and deeply committed to scaling innovative products. While individual contributions are valued, teamwork is crucial for achieving the highest level of success.
Please note: This role will be based in our headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA. A successful candidate will be expected to work out of Costa Mesa, CA. Based on eligibility, relocation assistance may be available. There will likely be 0% - 50% travel required for role.

• Manage technician staff in the production and delivery of our multiple technical products through factory acceptance. You will have the critical task of managing the priorities, equipment, and people associated with the production lines.
• Collaborate successfully with manufacturing engineering, design engineering and supply chain to introduce new products.
• Set priorities and direct daily operations to include timely issuing and completion of work orders to the production floor.
• Lead ownership and execution of the hiring plan for the facility’s direct workforce.
• Ensure all operators are following safety procedures and their teams' safety training is current, documenting EHS incidents, correcting proactively workplace hazards in the areas, and empowering others to continuously improve operations.
• Manage, coach, mentor and support manufacturing operations Directors and production managers.
• Prioritize work activities for operators to achieve target on-time delivery goals.
• Ensure quality standards are being met throughout the entire production process and support no defects from leaving a station or team area.
• Provide high-level reports to Anduril leadership.
• Be an active participant in 5S and continuous improvement activities.
• Complete transactions in production systems on a daily basis.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure inventory levels are maintained and accurate in each work area.
• Provide weekly reports on production progress, blockers, risks, and needs. Generate daily pass downs and weekly production reports for engineering and operations teams.
• Lead daily communication with cross-functional teams such as engineering, technicians, supply chain, logistics, and quality as necessary.
• Create and maintain high performance and high quality standards among the direct staff of the facility.
• Build a positive and collaborative team culture that promotes product knowledge, skills development, and X-training.
• Show up every day with a high level of urgency and enthusiasm to get the job done.
• Travel between Anduril manufacturing facilities across the continental US is expected to facilitate production scale-up activities.

• 10+ years experience managing manufacturing and production operations
• 5+ years in a supervisor or production operations management role at the Director level or above
• 5+ years of experience as a manager of managers
• Experience managing operator / technician workforce of 100+ within direct organization
• Experience working directly and communicating with designers and engineers
• A full understanding of the product life cycle (NPI to scaled production), LEAN manufacturing principles, and change management
• Extremely reliable, organized, and detail-oriented with excellent verbal & written communication skills
• You have a passion for employee development and enjoy the process of training and developing both new hires and veteran production staff
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in a technical field (engineering, business, or applied science)
• Working knowledge of AS9100 standards and OSHA laws