Manager, Manufacturing Operations - Connected Warfare

Anduril-1; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Manager of Manufacturing Operations to lead a technicians team and production of multiple hardware platforms for defense and commercial customers. You will drive daily operations, safety, quality, and cross‑functional collaboration to meet delivery goals.

The role requires NPI experience, strong communication, and a passion for transforming manufacturing processes in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in production-oriented roles with 3+ in supervision or lead positions.
• Experience with ERP and MES systems.
• Understanding of product life cycle, LEAN, and ECOs.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and specs.
• Strong written and verbal communication; detail‑oriented.
• Commitment to employee development and training.
• Proven troubleshooting skills for process and equipment.
• Knowledge of 5S, lean manufacturing or 6-Sigma principles.
• Proficient with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• U.S. Person required for access to export-controlled information.

Responsibilities

• Lead production staff in hardware assembly and delivery on the line.
• Set daily priorities and issue/complete work orders.
• Enforce safety training and document incidents; address hazards.
• Coach and support production technicians; manage staffing.
• Prioritize activities to hit on‑time delivery targets.
• Maintain quality standards and prevent defects across stations.
• Provide progress reports to managers and engineers.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement activities.
• Execute transactions in NetSuite, JIRA, and Anduril MES daily.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain inventory accuracy.
• Deliver weekly production updates and pass-downs to teams.

Skills

ERP systems

MES systems

LEAN manufacturing

Change management

Technical documentation

Verbal and written communication

Employee development

Troubleshooting

5S/6-Sigma

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Engineering or related field

Associate’s degree in technical field

Tools

NetSuite

JIRA

Anduril MES

MS Office Suite

Job description

Manager, Manufacturing Operations, Connected Warfare

Santa Ana, California, 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.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Manufacturing Production team is responsible for a wide range of activities that are crucial to the manufacturing process including operating equipment, assembling products, performing quality control checks, and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a Manager of Manufacturing Operations to join our manufacturing team at Anduril. Here you will work on cutting-edge technology aimed at advancing the state-of-the-possible. The Production Manager will manage a team of highly talented technicians to produce multiple platforms of hardware for strategic military and commercial customers. This is a highly dynamic role that requires both frontline technical and people management skills. The Manager of Manufacturing Operations is at the forefront of delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering team development, and overseeing day-to-day vehicle delivery operations. Success in this role demands consistent achievement across customer satisfaction, team management, operations, and financial goals.

The ideal candidate will have new product introduction (NPI) experience. The ideal candidate combines technical acumen for 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 sustainable energy. While individual contributions are valued, teamwork is crucial for achieving the highest level of success.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Manage technician staff in the production and delivery of various hardware through factory acceptance. You will have the critical task of managing the priorities, equipment, and people associated with the production line
• Set priorities and direct daily operations to include timely issuing and completion of work orders to the production floor
• 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 production technicians
• 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
• Be able to provide high level reports out to Production Managers, Directors, and Head of Manufacturing as needed.
• Be an active participant in 5S and continuous improvement activities
• Complete transactions in production systems (NetSuite / JIRA Anduril MES) on daily basis
• Work cross functionally to ensure inventory levels are maintained and accurate in each work area
• Provide weekly report out of production progress, blockers, risks, needs. Generate daily pass downs and weekly production reports for engineering and operations team
• Lead daily communication with cross functional team such as engineering, technicians, supply chain, logistics, and quality as necessary
• 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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years experience in production-oriented or electro-mechanical technician fields with at least 3+ years in a supervisor or production operations lead/manager role in a high volume production environment
• Experience working with ERP and MES systems
• A full understanding of the product life cycle (NPI to scaled production), LEAN manufacturing principals, and change management (ECOs)
• Can interpret technical documentation (mechanical drawings, work instructions, building plans, equipment specs, electrical schematics, etc.)
• 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
• Have proven skills in both process and equipment troubleshooting, allowing you to easily adapt to constantly changing production environments
• Knowledge of 5S, lean manufacturing or 6-Sigma principles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with MS office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project)
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• New product introduction (NPI) experience
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (engineering, business, or applied science)
• Working knowledge of AS9100 standards and OSHA laws
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
• Experience in sub-sea robotics or AUV industries
• Ability to develop cross functional relationships as a well-respected, trusted partner

US Salary Range

$129,000 - $171,000 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.

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A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

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