Head of Production, Compute & Comms
Costa Mesa, CA - USA
Job Summary
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Head of Production to own the strategic development operational direction and execution of production for high-volume compute this role you will serve as both a strategic leader and a hands-on operator responsible for defining and driving the future success of the production portfolio and ensuring consistent flawless execution across engineering supply chain and contract manufacturing. You will own the end-to-end relationship with contract manufacturers (CMs) lead the transition from New Product Introduction (NPI) through to sustained high-rate mass production and build supply chain resilience all while ensuring operational excellence scalability and adherence to rigorous quality and cost targets.
WHAT YOULL DO
Contract Manufacturer Management (High-Volume Compute)
- Own CM Relationships & Performance: Own the relationship performance and output of contract manufacturers producing compute devices at high volume. Drive CM communications onboarding capacity planning and new product introduction (NPI) through to mass production ramp.
- KPI Management: Establish and manage KPIs across yield quality cost throughput and on-time delivery; hold CM partners accountable to them. Use data to drive continuous improvement and business impact.
- Production Ramps: Lead production ramps and volume transitions across multiple CM sites and geographies ensuring on-time delivery against aggressive targets.
Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Strategy: Own supply chain strategy for high-volume production: demand/supply planning component sourcing inventory management and logistics.
- Risk & Resilience: Build resilience against component shortages single-source risk and geopolitical or lead-time disruption.
- Component Sourcing: Partner with procurement and engineering to secure allocation of critical and long-lead components at scale.
Contract Negotiation
- Manufacturing Agreements: Negotiate manufacturing agreements pricing capacity commitments SLAs and cost-down roadmaps with CMs and suppliers.
- Commercial Terms: Structure commercial terms that protect margin ensure supply and align partner incentives with volume and quality targets.
- Cost Reduction: Drive year-over-year cost reduction through negotiation design-for-cost and competitive sourcing.
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Executive Partnership: Serve as the production voice to the executive team and board; translate operational status risk and trade-offs into clear executive-level recommendations. Act as a key partner to Andurils SVP of Manufacturing and broader Executive Leadership contributing to company-wide production strategy and vision.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner cross-functionally with Engineering Product Procurement Quality Program Management Deployment Operations and Finance to align production plans with company goals and ensure seamless product maturation and delivery.
- Talent & Team Building: Build lead and develop a high-performing production/operations organization. Attract develop and retain top-tier talent fostering a culture of ownership and excellence.
- Process & Systems Excellence: Establish mature and continuously refine manufacturing processes operational playbooks and systems to enable efficient scaling and consistent quality.
- Digital Manufacturing Infrastructure: Advise on development and oversee implementation of digital technologies including PLM ERP MES and QMS that enable production operations to scale efficiently while meeting customer requirements.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to applicable industry standards (e.g. AS9100D) and all relevant safety regulatory and environmental requirements.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10 years of progressive leadership in high-volume production of compute or electronics hardware (servers data center infrastructure or comparable devices) scaling products from prototype to full-rate production.
- Proven track record managing contract manufacturers / EMS partners at scale including NPI-to-mass-production ramps. Direct ownership of at least one new product ramp through full-rate production.
- Deep supply chain management expertise planning sourcing risk mitigation procurement and warehousing functions essential to high-volume hardware manufacturing.
- Demonstrated contract negotiation skill with CMs and suppliers (pricing capacity SLAs cost-down).
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and partner with C-level leadership and the board.
- Experience managing a workforce of 100 employees across quality supply chain manufacturing engineering operations and technicians.
- Experience managing a P&L in a production environment including capital expenditure forecasting and resource allocation.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to understand how problems and solutions integrate within the broader organization.
- Bachelors degree in Engineering Operations Supply Chain or related technical field; advanced degree a plus. Equivalent practical experience with a proven track record considered.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience scaling a new compute product line from launch through high-volume production (on the order of thousands of units annually).
- Global CM/supplier management experience across multiple regions.
- Background blending in-house and outsourced manufacturing models.
- Experience with complex electromechanical systems in a deeply technical industry such as aerospace defense consumer electronics or data center infrastructure.
US Salary Range
$261000 - $346000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience education and/or training critical skills and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Andurils total compensation package. Additionally Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees including:
At Anduril we invest in our people. Our comprehensive competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures youre supported in health recovery and whatever comes next.For more information Explore Our Benefits.
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Required Experience:
Director