Director of Production, Optics

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology.

The Director of Production, Optics will own all production outcomes for Optics production for the Imaging Business Line, which is responsible for building and delivering precision optical assemblies for advanced defense systems.

Responsibilities:

• Production Ownership & Strategy: Own all production outcomes for the Optics Production across Imaging product lines, including ramp plans, headcount, and the standing up of new manufacturing lines.
• Leadership & Team Management: Serve as a strategic leader and tactical do-er, driving all people and resources across production to achieve outcomes.
• Operational Excellence: Drive processes and systems needed throughout the product development lifecycle to mature products to full-rate production.
• Own Production Operations: Oversee the production of optical product lines, managing a team of technicians and production staff to ensure efficient assembly, test, and delivery of imaging and optical hardware.
• Value Stream Management: Own visibility and flow across the end-to-end value stream , from supplier material deliveries through internal optical assembly, test, and shipment.
• Process & Technology Advancement: Advise on development and oversee the implementation of digital technologies that enable production operations to efficiently scale.
• Champion Quality & Safety: Ensure quality and safety standards are followed across clean room and optical assembly environments.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Lead 5S, Lean manufacturing, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and scale production capacity.
• Strategic Communication: Provide regular updates to senior leadership on production status, risks, and resource needs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in optical or complex electro-mechanical production, with 3+ years in a senior production leadership.
• Demonstrated experience standing up, scaling and managing production of optical assemblies, precision hardware, or imaging systems , defense, aerospace, or adjacent industries strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of optical assembly processes, clean room manufacturing environments, and optical test and inspection methods.
• Proven expertise with ERP, MRP, and MES systems, coupled with a strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, NPI, and change management (ECOs).
• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation and troubleshoot processes and equipment.
• Demonstrated success in employee development, coaching, and mentorship.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Salary Range: $220,000-$292,000 USD

Benefits: Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including comprehensive health, recovery, and support programs.