Head of Operations, Hardware Engineering

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a Head of Engineering Operations to serve as a strategic thought partner and operational force multiplier to the VP of Hardware Engineering and the broader Hardware Engineering leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in architecting, optimizing, and leading the operational framework for the entire Hardware Engineering organization, driving strategic priorities, and ensuring its seamless integration with cross-functional partners across the company. You will lead a dedicated Engineering Operations team, providing critical operational leverage that enables our world-class engineers and leaders to focus on technical excellence and innovation. Your mandate will range from identifying and solving complex operational challenges, building and redesigning scalable processes, to leading high-impact strategic projects that directly support the VP's vision and contribute to Anduril’s overall success. You will be instrumental in ensuring organizational alignment, efficiency, and growth, collaborating closely with the VP and senior leadership to achieve our strategic objectives and differentiate Anduril as the next generation defense prime.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive professional experience in operations, program management, or a Chief of Staff-equivalent role within a technical organization, with at least 3+ years directly supporting senior leadership (VP-level or equivalent).
Undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline, providing strong technical acumen and the ability to understand complex engineering challenges.
Demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence, discretion, and a people-centric, data-driven approach to complex problem-solving.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, capable of independently managing multiple complex, high-priority initiatives simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Profound ability to influence without direct authority and navigate complex organizational structures, cultivating trust and building strong cross-functional relationships across all levels of the company.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of articulating complex ideas to diverse audiences, from working-level engineers to executive leadership.
A proven blend of strategic foresight and tactical execution, comfortable diving deep into operational details while also crafting high-level strategies to solve ambiguous, organizational-wide problems.
High ownership and the capacity to simultaneously manage and drive multiple critical projects and priorities at a rapid pace, consistently delivering results without compromising quality.
Discerning judgment and an incredibly fast learner, capable of quickly grasping new concepts and adapting to evolving strategic landscapes.
U.S. Person status is required for this position.
Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance is preferred.

Nice To Haves

MBA or a relevant advanced degree (e.g., Engineering Management, Project Management).
Direct experience in a Chief of Staff or Head of Operations role within a fast-paced technology company, defense contractor, or a similar high-growth engineering environment.
Experience leading operations for large-scale engineering, R&D, or product development organizations, especially within defense or aerospace contexts.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Vision Execution: Partner with the VP of Hardware Engineering and their leadership team as a strategic advisor, helping to define, prioritize, and drive the execution of the organization's strategic roadmap, vision, operating model, and annual goals. This includes determining strategic investments for engineering capabilities and technology development, and setting/tracking critical metrics for organizational health and performance.
Operational Excellence & Organizational Stewardship: Architect and optimize the day-to-day business operations of the Hardware Engineering organization. This encompasses critical areas such as strategic talent planning (staffing/hiring strategies, headcount management, performance management, compensation), organizational communications, facilities planning, and financial tracking. You will ensure the organization operates with maximum efficiency and effectiveness, providing the foundational support for engineering innovation and rapid scaling.
Strategic Initiatives Leadership: Identify, scope, and lead high-priority strategic projects and complex cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the VP, ensuring timely execution, measurable impact, and direct alignment with broader company and Hardware Engineering goals. This includes driving annual planning cycles and preparing for executive-level reviews.
Team Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and lead a dedicated Engineering Operations team, empowering them to support day-to-day tactical operations and strategically drive initiatives within the engineering departments. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and strategic impact within the team.
Financial & Resource Stewardship: Partner closely with the VP and Anduril's FP&A team to manage the Hardware Engineering organization's budget, strategic investments, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing strategic impact against goals and deliverables.
Communications & Executive Advocacy: Engage proactively with Anduril executive leadership as a key representative for the Hardware Engineering organization. You will articulate organizational needs, report on strategic progress, identify risks and developments, and prepare and present content for critical forums such as Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
Infrastructure & Enablement: Oversee the development and optimization of underlying data and system infrastructure essential for robust organizational operations, ensuring data integrity, transparency, and operational efficiency across the Hardware Engineering ecosystem.

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits Income Protection : Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off : Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December.
Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching.
Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.