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Production Operations Manager, Maritime

Anduril


Job Location:

Santa Ana, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 129000 - 171000
Posted: 11 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Maritime Manufacturing Technology team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies and processes for cutting-edge defense hardware including deployable static and moving surface undersea and sea to air vehicles and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Production Operations Manager to lead the stand-up and ongoing operations of our advanced manufacturing facility in Santa Ana CA. This is a foundational role where you will build and manage the entire production system from team formation to day-to-day execution ensuring the rapid and high-quality delivery of our groundbreaking maritime products. You will oversee a diverse range of processes including CNC machining waterjet/plasma/oxy-fuel cutting plate rolling welding systems integration kitting and general fabrication. This role is instrumental in translating cutting-edge R&D into scalable high-volume production.

WHAT YOULL DO
  • 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 closely with Engineering R&D Supply Chain Quality Assurance and Program Management teams to ensure alignment resolve issues and optimize the overall product lifecycle.
  • Strategic Planning: Contribute to strategic planning for capacity equipment and technology roadmaps to support future growth and product development.
REQUIRED 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.
  • A 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.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering Operations Management or a related field.
  • Certifications in Lean Manufacturing Six Sigma or other recognized continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience with advanced or exotic materials common in defense or aerospace (e.g. Inconel Monel Titanium HY-80).
  • Prior experience in the defense or aerospace industry particularly with maritime systems.

US Salary Range

$129000 - $171000 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:

Benefits

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.

Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams

Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. Weve observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.

To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence please keep the following critical points in mind:

  • No Financial Requests:Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information credit card numbers or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.

  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters it will only come from an @ address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity please verify the agencys authenticity by reaching out to .
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach:If you receive any communication that appears suspicious contains grammatical errors or makes unusual requests do not engage. Always confirm the senders email domain is @ before providing any personal information or clicking on links.

  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud:Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril please report it immediately to. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy

To view Andurils candidate data privacy policy please visit submitting your application you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk integrity and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists adverse media public-record information and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology intellectual property and organizational security.


Required Experience:

Manager