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Salary: USD 129,000 - 171,000 / annual
Anduril Industries is seeking a highly experienced Production Operations Manager to lead the stand-up and ongoing operations of an advanced manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, CA. This is a foundational role where you will build and manage the entire production system from team formation to day-to-day execution, ensuring rapid and high-quality delivery of cutting-edge maritime defense products.
You will oversee a diverse range of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, waterjet/plasma/oxy-fuel cutting, plate rolling, welding, systems integration, kitting, and general fabrication. The role is instrumental in translating cutting-edge R&D into scalable, high-volume production.
Key responsibilities include:
- Build and lead high-performing teams: Recruit, hire, train, and manage a full operations team including Machinists, Welders, Fabricators, Machine Operators, and manufacturing kitting personnel. Establish team leads and foster a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Establish production systems: Architect and implement all critical manufacturing infrastructure, including tool rooms, work cells, material flow, and comprehensive shipping & receiving management.
- Develop and optimize processes: Design, document, and implement robust manufacturing processes and procedures from the ground up, ensuring efficiency, first-time quality, and scalability.
- Oversee daily operations: Manage day-to-day production activities across diverse manufacturing disciplines, ensuring production schedules are met, quality standards are upheld, and resources are optimized.
- Drive continuous improvement: Implement and champion continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma) to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality and delivery.
- Bridge R&D to production: Facilitate the seamless transition of new products and technologies from research and development into full-scale, repeatable production.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Program Management teams to ensure alignment, resolve issues, and optimize the overall product lifecycle.
- Strategic planning: Contribute to strategic planning for capacity, equipment, and technology roadmaps to support future growth and product development.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. The company's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 10-15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment
- 5+ years in a leadership, management, or supervisor role overseeing diverse production teams
- Proven experience establishing and standing up manufacturing facilities or significant production lines
- Demonstrated experience managing complex manufacturing processes including CNC machining, cutting (waterjets, plasma, oxy-fuel), metal forming (rolling), welding, systems integration, and general fabrication
- Strong understanding and practical experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems
- Experience in transitioning products from R&D to full-scale production
- Proactive, hands-on leadership style, capable of leading teammates on the floor while also driving strategic execution
- Ability to manage diverse teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
- Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
- Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other recognized continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience with advanced or exotic materials common in defense or aerospace (e.g., Inconel, Monel, Titanium, HY-80)
- Prior experience in the defense or aerospace industry, particularly with maritime systems
