Program Manager, Manufacturing Operations

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Manufacturing : Manufacturing Operations : Production Operations

This role is for a Program Manager in Manufacturing Operations at Anduril, a defense technology company. The role focuses on overseeing the manufacturing and production lifecycle of advanced defense technologies, working cross-functionally with various teams to ensure successful execution of production programs. Key responsibilities include process optimization, budget control, stakeholder communication, resource management, new product introduction, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, 5+ years of experience in operations program management, production, or manufacturing, preferably in defense or complex hardware industries, and experience with project management methodologies and tools. Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, PLM systems is preferred. The company mentions AI and related technologies in its general description, but this specific role is focused on manufacturing operations and program management, not direct AI/ML development or research.

What you'd actually do

  1. Process Optimization – Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with our COGs objectives to enhance production efficiency, scalability, and cost effectiveness
  2. Budget & Cost Control – Monitor project budgets, track progress and ensure we are continually focused on solving the largest problems to improve the bottom line
  3. Stakeholder Communication – Provide regular updates to internal teams and leadership, ensuring transparency on project status, risks, and solutions
  4. Resource Management – Ensure appropriate allocation of materials, labor and equipment to meet production goals
  5. New Product Information (NPI) – Be productions point of contact for all changes to existing product as well as new products in our pipeline
  6. Risk Management – Identify, assess , and mitigate potential risks and roadblocks that couple impact project timelines or operational objectives
  7. Cross Functional Collaboration – Coordinate between commercial, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, quality and leadership teams to align production efforts with business objectives

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in operations program management, production, manufacturing, preferably in defense, aerospace, or complex hardware industries
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and production workflows
  • Experience launching new products with condensed timelines
  • Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, Lean, TPS, Six Sigma, etc.)
  • Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Confluence, MS Project, Gantt Charts)
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities to influence and align cross functional teams
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance

Nice to have

  • Experience in defense, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing
  • Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, PLM systems

What the JD emphasized

  • manufacturing operations
  • production programs
  • production
  • manufacturing
  • production efficiency
  • production goals
  • production efforts