Description
We are seeking a Manufacturing Optimization Manager to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across our manufacturing sites in the US. This role will work closely with senior manufacturing leadership to implement and sustain lean manufacturing systems, coach frontline leaders, and resolve operational challenges to enhance efficiency, quality, and throughput.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations and lean methodologies, with proven experience leading teams and implementing structured problem-solving approaches. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day shop floor operations, developing group leaders and supervisors, and building sustainable systems that drive long-term performance improvements.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. A successful candidate will be expected to work out of Columbus, OH. Based on eligibility, relocation assistance may be available. Travel up to 50% may be required for training, cross-site collaboration, or supporting continuous improvement initiatives at other Anduril facilities.
Establish a scalable operating system (tiered accountability, daily management, KPI trees, visual management) aligned to safety, quality, delivery, and cost Strengthen cross-functional execution by integrating Operations, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Test into shared problem-solving and prioritized action plans Standardize processes and work content to reduce variation, improve first-pass yield, and enable predictable staffing models and flexible labor deployment Drive continuous improvement using structured problem solving (A3/8D), waste elimination, and targeted kaizen to improve flow and performance Lead rapid triage on critical constraints and escapes across all Anduril facilities,stabilize safety/quality events, throughput losses, and schedule risks using standard escalation and containment playbooks Coach and develop Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders through daily Gemba, leader standard work, and structured feedback Capture and deploy best practices across lines/cells/sites via playbooks, standard work libraries, and replication mechanisms with clear ownership and audit cadence Develop practical tools and structures (dashboards, hour-by-hour boards, problem queues, skills boards) that improve visibility, prioritization, and decision speed