Production Operations Manager, Maritime Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Production Operations Manager to stand up and run a cutting-edge maritime manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, CA. Lead teams across CNC machining, cutting, forming, welding, and assembly to deliver high-quality, scalable production.

You will shape production systems, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating with Engineering, R&D, and Supply Chain to transition innovations into reliable, repeatable manufacturing. Eligible for a U.S.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years in leadership roles overseeing diverse production teams.
• Proven experience standing up manufacturing facilities or significant production lines.
• Experience with CNC machining; waterjet/plasma/oxy-fuel cutting; metal forming (rolling); welding; systems integration; and general fabrication.
• Strong understanding of ERP, MES, and PLM systems.
• Experience transitioning products from R&D to full-scale production.
• Hands-on leadership style and ability to drive strategic execution.
• Ability to manage diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build & Lead High-Performing Teams: recruit, hire, train, and manage a full operations team across Machinists, Welders, Fabricators, and kitting personnel.
• Establish Production Systems: architect tool rooms, work cells, material flow, and shipping/receiving management.
• Develop & Optimize Processes: document and implement robust manufacturing processes from the ground up.
• Oversee Daily Operations: manage day-to-day production across disciplines, ensure schedules, uphold quality.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: apply Lean/Six Sigma to increase efficiency and quality.
• Bridge R&D to Production: transition new products from R&D to full-scale production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, QA, PM for alignment.
• Strategic Planning: contribute to capacity, equipment, and technology roadmaps.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Hands-on leadership

Continuous improvement

Strategic planning

Safety culture

US Secret clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP

MES

PLM

Job description

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 Maritime Manufacturing Technology team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies and processes for cutting-edge defense hardware, including deployable static and moving surface, undersea and sea to air vehicles and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.

About The Job

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Production Operations Manager to lead the stand-up and ongoing operations of our 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 the rapid and high-quality delivery of our groundbreaking maritime products. You will oversee a diverse range of processes including CNC machining, waterjet/plasma/oxy-fuel cutting, plate rolling, welding, systems integration, kitting, and general fabrication. This role is instrumental in translating cutting-edge R&D into scalable, high-volume production.

What You’ll Do

• Build & 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 & 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• A 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.

US Salary Range

$129,000—$171,000 USD

Benefits

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.