Head of Production, Rocket Motor Systems

Anduril; McHenry (MS); On-site; USD 225,000 - 397,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries in McHenry, Mississippi seeks a visionary Head of Production to architect, build, and scale our Rocket Motor Systems manufacturing operations. You will own all RMS production activities—from NPI to high-rate production—across planning, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, operations, and quality.

Based on the McHenry site, you will lead on-site five days a week, drive safety and regulatory compliance, and partner with engineering and program management to deliver ambitious

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing/production environment within a highly technical, hardware-focused industry (e.g., aerospace, defense, automotive, energy).
• Proven track record of architecting, building, and scaling production operations from NPI to sustained high-rate manufacturing; experience establishing new facilities or expanding existing ones is valued.
• Direct, hands-on leadership across end-to-end supply chain, procurement, and warehousing for scaled manufacturing.
• Experience managing and inspiring large, diverse teams across functions (quality, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, operations) and leading a major production site.
• Ability to be on-site at the McHenry, MS facility five days a week for direct leadership and support.
• Develop long-term strategic vision for production while executing tactically to overcome challenges.
• Exceptional collaborator with engineering, program management, and other technical teams to optimize processes for complex hardware.
• Strong relationships with local stakeholders and deep understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements (energetics/propulsion).
• Analytical, data-driven approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Energetics experience is a significant advantage.
• Technical background with BS or higher in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain; equivalent practical experience acceptable.
• Security clearance: eligible to obtain and maintain active US Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own all RMS production outcomes from NPI to high-volume manufacturing.
• Architect, build, and optimize Planning, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Quality to support growth.
• Drive high-rate production and implement systems to meet ambitious delivery targets.
• Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing multi-site team.
• Serve as Site Leader for McHenry, overseeing all site operations and safety compliance.
• Develop long-term growth strategies for RMS facilities and infrastructure.
• Refine manufacturing processes and playbooks for efficiency and scalability.
• Drive adoption of PLM, ERP, MES, QMS for data-driven decisions and performance tracking.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor, ensuring safety and collaboration.
• Manage production budgets to support long-term business growth.

Skills

Leadership

End-to-end supply chain

Team leadership

Data-driven

Cross-functional collaboration

On-site leadership

Strategic vision

Safety & regulatory

Energetics experience

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

PLM

ERP

MES

QMS

Job description

Head of Production, Rocket Motor Systems

McHenry, Mississippi, United States

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’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. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

For our critical Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) division, we are seeking a visionary Head of Production to architect, build, and scale our manufacturing operations. Based at our pivotal McHenry, Mississippi facility, you will be the ultimate owner of all RMS production activities – from strategic planning and supply chain management to manufacturing engineering, day-to-day operations, and quality assurance. This pivotal role is responsible for leading the transition from New Product Introduction (NPI) to sustained high-rate manufacturing, ensuring unparalleled operational excellence, scalability, and strict adherence to rigorous quality and safety standards. If you are a seasoned leader ready to define the future of propulsion manufacturing and shape one of Anduril's most mission-critical business lines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, this unique opportunity is for you

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Lead End-to-End Production & Scale RMS:

• Own all production outcomes for Rocket Motor Systems, guiding the full lifecycle from New Product Introduction (NPI) to high-volume manufacturing.
• Architect, build, and optimize critical functions including Planning, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Quality to support rapid growth and complex RMS operations.
• Drive high-rate production, implementing the systems, processes, and infrastructure necessary to achieve ambitious delivery targets for current and future contracts.
• Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing team across multiple sites, fostering a culture of ownership and excellence.

Serve as Site Leader for McHenry, MS:

• Be the primary leader for our McHenry facility, overseeing all site operations, resources, and strategic development.
• Ensure strict compliance with all safety, regulatory, and environmental standards, especially those related to energetics and explosive materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, community partners, and county officials.

Strategize & Execute Facilities Growth:

• Lead the expansion of existing production facilities and the development of new sites, from initial planning and permitting to construction and operational readiness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and execute long-term growth strategies for RMS, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with demand.

Champion Operational Excellence & Innovation:

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes and operational playbooks to ensure efficient, scalable, and repeatable production.
• Drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies (PLM, ERP, MES, QMS) for optimized efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Establish and manage to critical KPIs for quality, delivery, financial performance, and safety, continuously driving improvement.

Be a Hands-On, Visible Leader:

• Maintain a strong physical presence on the production floor at McHenry, engaging directly with teams to ensure operational excellence and foster a culture of safety and collaboration.
• Manage significant production budgets and drive financial discipline across all activities to support long-term business growth.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing/production environment within a highly technical, hardware-focused industry (e.g., aerospace, defense, automotive, energy).
• Proven track record ofarchitecting, building, and scaling production operations from NPI to sustained high-rate manufacturing (e.g., 1000s of units/year). Experience establishing new facilities or significantly expanding existing ones is highly valued.
• Direct, hands‑on leadership and success across end-to-end supply chain, procurement, and warehousing functions critical for scaled manufacturing.
• Experience managing and inspiring large, diverse teams across various functions (e.g., quality, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, operations) and successfully leading a significant production site.
• A leader who thrives on the production floor, with the ability to be on‑site at the McHenry, MS facility five days a week to provide direct, hands‑on leadership and support.
• Ability to develop a long‑term strategic vision for production while also diving into tactical execution to overcome immediate challenges.
• Exceptional collaborator, proven to partner effectively with engineering, program management, and other technical teams to optimize manufacturing processes for complex hardware systems.
• Skilled in building and maintaining positive relationships with local stakeholders, and deep understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements (especially for energetics/propulsion).
• Strong analytical skills with a data‑driven approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Energetics Experience: Familiarity with the manufacturing of energetics or propulsion systems is a significant advantage.
• Technical Background: Bachelor of Science or higher degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) preferred; equivalent practical experience with a proven track record will be considered.
• Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

US Salary Range

$225,000 - $397,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits .

As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.