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Operations Lead

Anduril· Hardware Platform : Hardware Test Operations : Hardware Test Operations
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Costa Mesa, CA$117k - $154kFull-timePosted 5d ago

About the role

Operations Leader to serve as a tactical business execution manager within Hardware Test & Operations (HTO), responsible for operational rhythm, financial performance, performance metrics, and day-to-day organizational execution in a rapidly scaling robotic systems test enterprise.

Responsibilities

  • Own HTO Support Operations & Organizational Rhythm – Build and run the operating cadence for HTO: staff meetings, pillar-level reviews, scorecard cycles, and cross-functional coordination. Ensure the Deputy and VP have clean, timely information to make decisions. You are the person who makes the trains run on time.
  • Drive Business Metrics & Performance Reporting – Define, instrument, and report metrics that matter headcount vs. capacity, throughput vs. demand, IRAD burn rates, program fund utilization, all while pushing engineering integration keeping Hardware Test a competitive advantage for Anduril. Turn raw data into executive-ready dashboards and action items.
  • Lead Financial Performance Execution & Resource Planning – Own the 6/12/24-month execution outlook across the organization. Track resource allocation and utilization. Execute around a vision to automate repetitive actions impacting execution. Build bottoms-up resourcing models that tie capability to demand signals, not wish lists. Identify gaps early and propose solutions.
  • Advance Service Organization Maturity – Treat HTO as a service organization. Define what "service" means at each interface — response time, throughput commitment, quality standard — and measure against it. Build the processes that transform a collection of test teams into an integrated, customer-oriented enterprise.
  • Support Aviation & Flight Operations Coordination – Partner with the Director of Flight Operations and functional leads to integrate aviation test operations into the broader business cadence. Ensure flight-test scheduling, airworthiness coordination, and range readiness are tracked, improved, and adequately priced with the same rigor as every other operational thread.
  • Manage Cross-functional Handoffs & Execution – Track progress of functional support, and report on performance of critical Deputy and VP Initiatives. Serve as a trusted liaison in the HTO Organization both internally and externally. Strive toward maturing establishing written agreements with named owners and status reporting.
  • Enable the PDP Milestone Process – Support pillar leads in delivering against the Product Development Process (PDP) gates — SRR through ORR. Track T&E deliverables across the Core Five framework (Test Strategy, Risk Management, Resource/Infra/Data, Test Execution & Reporting, Assurance & Compliance). Ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
  • Build Structure & Eliminate Drag – Identify what's broken, duplicated, or missing in how HTO operates. Propose and execute fixes — whether that's a new reporting template, a streamlined approval process, or killing a meeting that doesn't earn its time. Your job is to make pillar leads more effective, not more burdened.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related discipline. Equivalent relevant experience may substitute.
  • 7+ years of experience in business operations, program management, or operational leadership within a technical or defense environment, with at least 3+ years managing cross-functional processes across multiple teams or sites.
  • Demonstrated strength in financial forecasting, resource planning, and budget tracking — you are fluent in the language of burn rates, run rates, and demand signals.
  • Proven ability to build and sustain operational rhythms: review cadences, scorecards, dashboards, and reporting frameworks from scratch.
  • Experience in aviation, aerospace, or unmanned systems operations — you understand the unique tempo, safety culture, and regulatory landscape of flight-test environments.
  • Strong analytical skills with hands-on proficiency in data tools (Excel modeling, BI dashboards, or equivalent).
  • Track record of building or significantly improving a service organization — establishing SLAs, measuring throughput, and holding teams accountable to commitments.
  • Exceptional organizational and communication skills — capable of distilling complexity into clear, concise briefings for senior leadership.
  • Bias for action and a practical, results-oriented mindset. You would rather be specific and wrong than vague and safe.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% for domestic test site coordination and cross-pillar engagement.
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).

Skills

Required:Operational Rhythm & CadenceFinancial Forecasting & Resource PlanningData Analysis & BI Tools

Benefits

  • Comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees).
  • Top-tier benefits for full-time employees.
  • Equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers as part of total compensation.
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

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