Staff Program Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Classified Programs

ABOUT THE TEAM

We are seeking an exceptionally qualified and seasoned Staff Program Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead and drive manufacturing engineering initiatives within classified programs. This is a pivotal role that requires a proven track record of managing complex manufacturing engineering projects from concept through high-rate production, all while operating within a stringent classified environment. You will be expected to utilize your technical experience in conjunction with your program/project management skills to deliver the best outcome for Anduril and the customer.. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Serve as the lead Manufacturing Engineering authority and program manager for assigned classified programs, integrating manufacturing strategy with program objectives, schedules, and budgets.
• Drive the manufacturing engineering aspects of the program through all phases, from conceptual design and prototyping to low-rate initial production (LRIP) and full-rate production (FRP).
• Champion and implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles from the earliest design stages, actively collaborating with design teams within secure environments to optimize product architecture for efficient and high-yield production.
• Effectively communicate complex technical and programmatic information to engineers, program leadership, government customers, cleared suppliers, and cross-functional teams, often requiring the ability to filter and convey information appropriately for different classification levels and audiences.
• Identify, assess, and proactively mitigate potential risks and roadblocks (technical, schedule, cost, security) that could impact project timelines or operational objectives, developing comprehensive mitigation strategies.
• Act as the critical liaison ("the glue") between product-aligned manufacturing engineering teams and cross-functional support groups (e.g., test, automation, digital systems, facilities, supply chain, quality) for classified programs to ensure seamless execution and on-schedule delivery.
• Develop and implement the overall manufacturing engineering strategy, roadmap, and execution plan for how we approach and execute classified programs, establishing best practices and influencing long-term capability development.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management or related field
• 12+ years of experience in operations program management, production, manufacturing, preferably in defense, aerospace, or complex hardware industries
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows
• Experience launching new products with condensed timelines
• Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, Lean, TPS, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Confluence, MS Project, Gantt Charts)
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Strong communication and leadership abilities to influence and align cross functional teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities
• Comfortable with setting and achieving goals in an amorphous environment
• You don’t wait on others to solve problems. You proactively step into the gap to offer solutions yourself.
• You are comfortable with and good at communicating broadly and having a lot of eyes on your work. This role can at-times require comms to large groups and senior leadership.
• Willingness to travel frequently (>25%) to support global manufacturing operations
• Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance