Staff Program Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Classified Programs

Company: Anduril Industries
Location: Costa Mesa
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

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 US Salary Range $166,000 - $220,000 USD The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: 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. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information. To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind: No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates. Please always verify communications: Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address. Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com . Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links. What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com . Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts. Data Privacy To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/ .

Keywords: Anduril Industries, Whittier , Staff Program Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Classified Programs, Engineering , Costa Mesa, California