Head of Production - Altius

We are seeking an exceptional and visionaryHead of Productionto lead our manufacturing operations for the Altius family of unmanned aircraft systems. In our facilities, we specialize in the design, development, and production of state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including those designed for ejection from host platforms or modular launch systems. Our mission is to deliver unique, high-performance solutions that meet critical operational needs. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the complete lifecycle of production, from strategic development and execution to fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement. As the TRS Head of Production, you will own the strategic development and execution for short to mid-term production goals, operational direction, and the vision for the department. Your top-level charter will be to define the future of our manufacturing processes ("the playbook") and lead its implementation, ensuring consistent, flawless execution across all product and Science & Technology (S&T) programs, transforming prototypes into scalable, high-volume production. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment and are passionate about architecting, building, and scaling advanced manufacturing capabilities from the ground up for critical national security applications, we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Serve as both a strategic leader and a hands-on operator, overseeing all aspects of Altius manufacturing operations in Atlanta, GA. You will report directly to the Atlanta Site Lead and manage an existing team of production leads.
• Build the Future of Manufacturing: Architect and lead the development of our end-to-end production capabilities, from initial factory layout and infrastructure to defining optimal workflows and processes. This includes advising engineering on DFM (Design for Manufacturability), developing tooling strategies, and orchestrating efficient production execution.
• Factory & Resource Management: Own and optimize the Atlanta manufacturing floor, including headcount planning, capital expenditure forecasting, and resource allocation to meet aggressive production targets.
• Hyper-Growth & Scale: Drive the Production, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to execute against Anduril’s ambitious 5-year strategic vision to become a next-generation aerospace and defense manufacturer, capable of flexibly producing thousands of high-quality products annually.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with Engineering, Deployment Operations, and Program Management to ensure seamless product maturation from low-rate prototypes to full-rate production.
• Process & Systems Excellence: Establish, mature, and continuously refine robust manufacturing processes, operational playbooks, and systems throughout the product development lifecycle to enable efficient scaling and consistent quality.
• Performance Management: Define, track, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial performance, quality, and on-time delivery, using data to drive continuous improvement and business impact.
• Digital Transformation: Advise on the development and oversee the implementation of cutting-edge digital manufacturing technologies, including PLM, ERP, custom MES, and QMS systems, to maximize efficiency and meet program requirements.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to AS9100D guidelines and other relevant industry standards, fostering a culture of unwavering quality and regulatory compliance.
• Executive Partnership: Act as a key partner to Anduril’s SVP of Manufacturing, contributing to the broader manufacturing strategy and vision for the company.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Manufacturing Leadership & Foundation-Building: Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a Manufacturing/Production role within the hardware development industry, with a demonstrated track record of establishing, building, and scaling manufacturing operations from prototype to full-rate production (on the order of thousands of units). This includes proven success in developing and implementing the foundational processes and systems ("the playbook") necessary for hyper-growth.
• Supply Chain Acumen: Significant leadership responsibility and proven success across supply chain, procurement, and warehousing functions essential for scaled manufacturing operations.
• Domain Expertise: Deep experience with discrete manufacturing operations in a highly technical industry such as aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, medical devices, or automotive. Experience with complex electromechanical systems is highly valued.
• Strategic & Tactical Acumen: A relentless drive for continuous improvement, a strong outcome orientation, and the ability to both define strategic initiatives and dive into tactical execution to achieve results.
• Technical Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate effectively with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams on a highly technical level.
• Inspirational Leader: A positive and inspirational leader with a proven ability to assess, attract, develop, and retain high-quality talent, building high-performing, engaged teams.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving: Strong ability to thrive and lead in ambiguous, unstructured, and rapidly evolving environments. Startup experience or experience in fast-growing organizations is highly preferred.
• Influential Communicator: Sophisticated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to earn credibility, influence diverse stakeholders, and advise across various personalities and organizational levels.
• Strategic Foresight: Demonstrated strategic thinking abilities and the capacity to anticipate challenges and opportunities, "seeing around corners" to proactively address future needs.
• Analytical Prowess: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to understand how complex problems and their solutions integrate within the wider organization and its operational goals.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline strongly preferred; equivalent practical experience with a proven track record will be considered.
• Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

US Salary Range 220000 - 330000 USD