Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations

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. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead and oversee all manufacturing operations activities across our facilities. This senior leadership role will be responsible for driving operational performance, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency while scaling production to meet business growth objectives. The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented leader with deep expertise in lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and team development. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Strategy Develop and execute manufacturing operations strategies aligned with company goals for productivity, quality, cost, and delivery. Lead multi-site manufacturing teams to achieve operational excellence and meet production targets. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focusing on lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and process optimization. Production Management Oversee daily manufacturing operations including scheduling, capacity planning, workforce management, and supply chain coordination. Ensure production targets, quality specifications, and delivery commitments are consistently met. Implement best practices for efficient workflows, equipment utilization, and inventory control. Work to build out Anduril production system for large manufacturing sites with multiple products Team Leadership Development Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Build and maintain an engaged, motivated workforce through strong leadership and communication. Promote safety, compliance, and training programs across all shifts and locations. Quality Compliance Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory teams to maintain compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements. Ensure all manufacturing processes maintain high standards of quality, safety, and environmental compliance. Capital Projects Resource Management Manage manufacturing operating budgets and capital expenditures to support operational improvements and capacity expansion. Lead initiatives for plant modernization, automation, and facility upgrades in partnership with Engineering and Facilities teams. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Product Development to improve overall operational efficiency. Report key operational performance metrics and provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred. 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations with at least 7 years in senior leadership roles. Proven track record managing large-scale manufacturing operations, multi-site environments preferred. Strong expertise in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and team leadership. Experience managing production planning, scheduling, workforce management, and budget oversight. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with quality systems and regulatory compliance (ISO, FDA, AS9100, etc.) preferred. Eli ... (truncated, view full listing at source)