Operations Lead
Costa Mesa, CA - USA
Job Summary
Anduril is building next-generation autonomous platforms robotic systems and advanced warfighting capabilities. Our Hardware Test & Operations (HTO) organization ensures every system we deliver is safe reliable and combat-ready from first article through fielding.
We are seeking an Operations Leader to serve as a tactical business execution manager within HTO reporting directly to the Deputy. This role is the operational backbone of a rapidly scaling robotic systems test enterprise owning business and resource support financial performance performance metrics and day-to-day organizational execution. You will translate strategy into action keep the machine running and build the connective tissue between pillar leads program teams and leadership.
This is a role for a practical operator with a can-do mentality and something to prove someone who thrives on making an organization sharper faster and more accountable. If you have a bias for action a head for numbers and the grit to build structure where none exists this is your opportunity.
What Youll Do
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 whats broken duplicated or missing in how HTO operates. Propose and execute fixes whether thats a new reporting template a streamlined approval process or killing a meeting that doesnt earn its time. Your job is to make pillar leads more effective not more burdened.
Required Qualifications
Bachelors 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). You dont wait for someone else to pull the numbers.
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).
Preferred Qualifications
MBA or Masters degree in Operations Management Industrial Engineering or related field.
Prior experience in a Deputy/Chief of Staff/Operations Manager role supporting a VP or senior director in a high-growth defense or aerospace organization.
Familiarity with DoD Product Development Process (PDP) milestones T&E gate reviews and defense acquisition lifecycle.
Experience with robotic systems autonomous platforms or unmanned aerial systems either in test operations or program management.
Knowledge of IRAD/program-funded cost structures and defense contract financial management.
Experience standing up operational infrastructure in a fast-moving ambiguity-rich environment where process didnt exist before you arrived.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
US Salary Range
$117000 - $154000 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:
Manager