Manufacturing Optimization Leader

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 JOB:

As a Manufacturing Optimization Lead, you will be instrumental in ensuring the consistent, safe, and efficient production of high-quality products. You will drive initiatives to enhance manufacturing capabilities, maintain operational excellence, and lead cross-functional teams to achieve production goals. This role requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record of commanding manufacturing environments and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Ensure consistent, safe, and efficient production by leading initiatives to enhance product output and operational capabilities.

• Champion manufacturing optimization, driving cost reduction, quality improvement, productivity gains, and continuous improvement activities (including 5S) to boost utilization and uptime.

• Manage process capability and efficiency initiatives to reduce cycle times, increase yield, and prevent escapes.

• Champion cross-training and safety programs ensuring adherence to procedures, current training, incident documentation, and proactive hazard correction.

• Improve equipment, data and systems capability, manage Capex & asset lifecycle and integrate physical best practices

• Lead digital tool enhancements and integrate systematic best practices

• Support compliance with AS9100, FAR/DFAR, and MRA/MRL assessments, while collaborating on digital tool enhancements and integrating best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing operations leadership, with a strong track record in driving production improvements and managing complex processes.

• Proven expertise in leading safety programs, implementing training, managing asset lifecycle and change control, and overseeing critical compliance standards (e.g., AS9100, FAR/DFAR).

• Demonstrated success in manufacturing optimization, including cost reduction, quality enhancement, productivity increases, and the application of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., 5S).

• Strong communication and project management skills, with the ability to articulate strategic initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver concise leadership reports.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including certifications or a proven track record of applying principles in projects.

• Experience integrating hardware, software, and firmware in end system products, encompassing functional and bring-up testing.

• Familiarity with Process Verification and Validation (V&V) practices, test cases, and overall strategy.

• Knowledge of manufacturing data systems and database structures (e.g., MySQL, Matlab, Airflow servers)

US Salary Range
$146,000—$194,000 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:

Healthcare Benefits

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.

• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.

• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.

Additional Benefits

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.

• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.

• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.

• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.

• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development

• Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.

• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.

• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.

• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.