Staff Production Program Manager

As a Staff Production Program Manager at Anduril Industries, you will support the Head of Production by overseeing the entire manufacturing and production lifecycle of advanced defense technologies. This involves optimizing processes, managing project budgets, and ensuring effective communication between cross-functional teams. You will also play a critical role in driving continuous improvement initiatives and resource management to meet production goals.

To qualify for the Staff Production Program Manager position at Anduril Industries, you must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, alongside a minimum of 8 years of experience in operations program management or production, ideally within defense, aerospace, or complex hardware sectors. Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies such as Agile and Lean is also essential for success in this role.

The role of Staff Production Program Manager at Anduril Industries is crucial for transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By overseeing production programs and ensuring the efficient manufacturing of innovative defense products, you help bridge the gap between prototype development and large-scale production, ultimately contributing to the mission of securing a safer tomorrow.

As a Staff Production Program Manager at Anduril Industries, you can expect a fast-paced and dynamic work environment that values innovation and collaboration. The company encourages a culture of continuous improvement and supports employees with top-tier benefits and professional development opportunities, allowing you to thrive while working on impactful projects.

Anduril Industries provides an attractive benefits package for its Staff Production Program Managers, which includes comprehensive health plans, generous PTO, and family planning support. Additionally, employees receive access to mental health resources, professional development stipends, and a supportive work-life balance, making it a great place to grow your career.

In response to this question, focus on your experience with process optimization frameworks like Lean and Six Sigma. Discuss specific strategies such as conducting value stream mapping, implementing Kaizen events, and utilizing data analytics to identify inefficiencies. Showcase your ability to lead cross-functional teams in aligning these processes with organizational goals.

When answering, detail a specific project, the challenges faced, and the steps you took to overcome them. Share how you communicated with stakeholders, adapted project plans, and utilized project management tools to monitor progress. Highlight your problem-solving skills and the importance of teamwork in achieving project objectives.

Emphasize the importance of transparency and regular updates in stakeholder communication. Discuss methods you would use, such as status reports, risk assessments, and regular meetings. Illustrate your experience in ensuring that all stakeholders are informed about project health, timelines, and potential challenges.

To tackle this question, share your systematic approach to risk management. Discuss conducting a risk assessment to identify potential roadblocks early, developing a mitigation plan, and continually monitoring the risks throughout the project lifecycle. Emphasize the importance of being proactive and adaptable to change.

You should focus on communication, respect for differing expertise, and shared objectives. Discuss how you would encourage collaboration among engineering, supply chain, and operations teams. You can illustrate this with examples of how you've successfully facilitated teamwork in previous roles.

When answering this question, mention the specific tools you're proficient in, such as Jira and MS Project. Explain how these tools help you track timelines, manage resources, and communicate with team members. Use examples of how you have utilized these tools in previous successful projects.

Discuss your experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes. Explain how you coordinate with various teams to align production timelines, training, and quality assurance processes to ensure a smooth transition from product design to full-scale manufacturing.

Highlight the critical role of budget management in achieving production targets. Share your strategies for monitoring costs against budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring financial constraints do not compromise product quality or delivery timelines.

Describe your proactive approach to identifying potential delays and your strategy for addressing them. Discuss how you would reassess project plans, allocate resources dynamically, and communicate effectively with stakeholders to minimize impacts on timelines.

In your answer, share your passion for technology, innovation, and national security. Discuss how you find motivation in the opportunity to work on projects that make a real-world impact and contribute to the safety and effectiveness of military operations.