Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Drones

Anduril Industries•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

Anduril’s Drones team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join our rapidly growing team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and efficient, high-volume production for our advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) like Bolt, Ghost, Anvil, and future autonomous platforms. As a Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Drones, you will support products from the early design phase, develop/improve the manufacturing process and support production ramps for several products. The diverse responsibilities of this role will require you to leverage your technical expertise as well as leadership skills to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and drive rapid project execution. You will play a crucial role in optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies on existing technologies while also developing new products and scaling to full scale production.

Requirements

Degree in a technical field such as engineering, math, or a hard science
8+ years in manufacturing or similar prototyping position
Experience developing products from scratch and successfully scaling to production in industry leading timeframes
Proven track record of leading teams, developing new products and processes, and cradle to grave ownership
Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills, with backing examples
An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication
A genuine interest in manufacturing and thirst for learning
Demonstrated ability to creatively deliver hardware in a resource-constrained environment
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes and improve competencies
Harness & PCBA fabrication experience including prior work with or setup/modification/monitoring SMT processes
Experience leading and managing teams on fast-paced, complex projects
Hands-on experience with R/C and/or autonomous flight vehicles, flight controllers, or other related control systems
Software scripting experience in any language
Experience in NX/Teamcenter

Responsibilities

Lead the manufacturing engineering team across multiple product variants, setting goals, providing direction, and evaluating performance, from initial prototyping through large full-scale production
Develop and execute strategic plans for production capabilities, incorporating new technologies and methodologies
Interface with key external customers in communicating the strategic vision and plans for building and scaling multiple missile platforms from development to full rate production
Own documentation required for successfully manufacturing product group hardware at scale, such as work instructions, inspection plans & requirements, etc.
Collaborate with product development teams to ensure manufacturability of new designs and smooth transition from prototype to production
Assist in the selection, installation, and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment and processes, ensuring optimal integration into production lines
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that result in cost reduction, quality enhancement, and throughput maximization
Manage budgets and forecast future manufacturing needs, including personnel, equipment, and materials
Establish and maintain robust training and documentation programs to enhance team skills and promote cross-functional knowledge sharing
Serve as the technical expert and point of contact for manufacturing engineering issues, providing guidance and support to resolve complex problems
Analyze metrics for continuous improvement initiatives (cost reduction, QI reduction & capacity increase)
Instill a culture of innovation, teamwork, and accountability within the manufacturing engineering product team

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.