Senior Director of Production, Rocket Motors

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

This role is for a Senior Director of Production for Rocket Motors at Anduril, a defense technology company. The individual will be responsible for architecting, building, and scaling manufacturing operations, from New Product Introduction (NPI) to high-rate production. Key responsibilities include leading end-to-end production, serving as site leader for the McHenry facility, strategizing facilities growth, and championing operational excellence. The role requires extensive experience in high-volume manufacturing, supply chain management, team leadership, and a strong understanding of safety and regulatory requirements, particularly for energetics and propulsion systems. While the company utilizes AI and related technologies in its products, this specific role focuses on manufacturing operations rather than AI/ML development.

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
  • End-to-end supply chain, procurement, and warehousing
  • Managing and inspiring large, diverse teams
  • Production floor leadership
  • Strategic vision and tactical execution
  • Collaboration with engineering and program management
  • Building relationships with local stakeholders
  • Safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements (energetics/propulsion)
  • Data-driven approach to continuous improvement
  • Energetics or propulsion systems manufacturing familiarity
  • Bachelor of Science or higher degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) or equivalent practical experience
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance

Nice to have

  • Experience establishing new facilities or significantly expanding existing ones
  • Energetics Experience: Familiarity with the manufacturing of energetics or propulsion systems is a significant advantage.
  • Technical Background: Bachelor of Science or higher degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) preferred

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.
  • Ability to develop a long-term strategic vision for production while also diving into tactical execution to overcome immediate challenges.
  • Ability to be on-site at the McHenry, MS facility five days a week to provide direct, hands-on leadership and support.