← All roles

Production Operations Manager, Maritime Manufacturing

Anduril· Manufacturing : Heavy Metal - Production : Manufacturing Technicians
Apply on company site
Santa Ana, CAPosted 2w ago

About the role

Production Operations Manager to lead the stand-up and ongoing operations of Anduril’s advanced maritime manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, CA, translating R&D into scalable, high-volume production across CNC machining, cutting, forming, welding, and systems integration.

Responsibilities

  • Build & Lead High-Performing Teams: Recruit, hire, train, and manage a full operations team, including Machinists, Welders, Fabricators, Machine Operators, and manufacturing kitting personnel. Establish team leads and foster a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Establish Production Systems: Architect and implement all critical manufacturing infrastructure, including tool rooms, work cells, material flow, and comprehensive shipping & receiving management.
  • Develop & Optimize Processes: Design, document, and implement robust manufacturing processes and procedures from the ground up, ensuring efficiency, first-time quality, and scalability.
  • Oversee Daily Operations: Manage day-to-day production activities across diverse manufacturing disciplines, ensuring production schedules are met, quality standards are upheld, and resources are optimized.
  • Drive Continuous Improvement: Implement and champion continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma) to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality and delivery.
  • Bridge R&D to Production: Facilitate the seamless transition of new products and technologies from research and development into full-scale, repeatable production.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Program Management to align and optimize the product lifecycle.
  • Strategic Planning: Contribute to capacity, equipment, and technology roadmaps to support future growth and product development.

Qualifications

  • 10-15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • 5+ years in a leadership, management, or supervisor role overseeing diverse production teams.
  • Proven experience establishing and standing up manufacturing facilities or significant production lines.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex manufacturing processes including CNC machining, cutting (waterjets, plasma, oxy-fuel), metal forming (rolling), welding, systems integration, and general fabrication.
  • Strong understanding and practical experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems.
  • Experience in transitioning products from R&D to full-scale production.
  • Proactive, hands-on leadership style, capable of leading teammates on the floor while also driving strategic execution.
  • Ability to manage diverse teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Skills

Required:Team Leadership and People ManagementManufacturing OperationsProcess Design & DocumentationContinuous ImprovementR&D to Production TransitionCross-Functional CollaborationERP/MES/PLM Systems
Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

defense-aero-and-safetyliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1wing-list-2026wing-list-2026-giga-stage
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Anduril