Head of Production, Rocket Motor Systems

Anduril Anduril · Defense · McHenry, MS · Manufacturing : Rocket Motor Systems Production : Leadership

Head of Production for Rocket Motor Systems at Anduril, a defense technology company. This role involves architecting, building, and scaling manufacturing operations from NPI to high-rate production, leading a team, managing a facility, and ensuring operational excellence, quality, and safety. The role requires extensive leadership experience in high-volume manufacturing, supply chain management, and site leadership, with a preference for experience in energetics or propulsion systems. The company utilizes an AI-powered operating system and incorporates AI, autonomy, computer vision, and sensor fusion into its defense systems.

What you'd actually do

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

Skills

Required

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing/production environment
  • Architecting, building, and scaling production operations from NPI to sustained high-rate manufacturing
  • End-to-end supply chain, procurement, and warehousing functions
  • Managing and inspiring large, diverse teams across various functions
  • Leading a significant production site
  • Developing long-term strategic vision and tactical execution
  • Building and maintaining positive relationships with local stakeholders
  • 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

Nice to have

  • Energetics Experience: Familiarity with the manufacturing of energetics or propulsion systems
  • 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 a

What the JD emphasized

  • 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 (e.g., 1000s of units/year).
  • 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.
  • Ability to develop a long-term strategic vision for production while also diving into tactical execution to overcome immediate challenges.
  • Skilled in building and maintaining positive relationships with local stakeholders, and deep understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements (especially for energetics/propulsion).