Surface Program Manager

As a Surface Program Manager at Anduril Industries, your primary responsibilities include leading the technical development of maritime products from concept to delivery. You'll manage and execute technical programs through all stages, ensuring effective communication and resource management while establishing trust with colleagues and government stakeholders. This position also requires coordinating test events and driving project management efficiency across various functional teams.

To qualify for the Surface Program Manager role at Anduril Industries, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field, such as Naval Architecture or Systems Engineering, along with a minimum of 10 years of experience in technical leadership and project management within defense systems. Additionally, the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Top Secret clearance is essential for this position.

As a Surface Program Manager at Anduril Industries, strong technical and leadership skills are critical. Required competencies include an understanding of multi-domain unmanned and autonomous systems, experience with weapon or defense system programs, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams. Familiarity with maritime systems and a proven capability in driving projects from concept to full development are also highly valued.

The Surface Program Manager plays a vital role in furthering Anduril's mission by ensuring the successful delivery of innovative maritime solutions that meet strategic military needs. By leading technical programs and collaborating with multiple teams, the manager directly influences product outcomes that enhance U.S. and allied military capabilities, aligning with Anduril's goal of rapid technological transformation.

The working environment for a Surface Program Manager at Anduril Industries is dynamic and collaborative, emphasizing innovation and cross-functional teamwork. You will engage with talented professionals across various departments, allowing for the sharing of ideas and driving projects forward in a supportive atmosphere that values diverse perspectives and expertise.

When answering this question, detail specific defense programs you managed, highlighting your role and the outcomes achieved. Focus on how you coordinated multiple teams, addressed technical challenges, and ensured timelines were met. Use examples that illustrate your leadership and project management skills, providing quantifiable results where possible.

Discuss your methodology for project management, such as employing agile or waterfall techniques, and how you adapt to the specifics of defense programs. Emphasize your ability to balance innovation with practical execution while addressing dependencies between teams to maintain clarity and progress on projects.

Share specific techniques you used in previous roles to build strong relationships and partnerships. Highlight the importance of clear communication, setting common goals, and creating a culture of trust within teams to ensure smooth collaboration across various functions.

Speak about instances where you worked directly with customers to assess their needs and integrate their feedback into project development. Emphasize the importance of understanding customer requirements and how that shapes project direction and outcomes.

Candidly discuss specific challenges you've encountered, such as aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, technical limitations, or regulatory hurdles. Offer solutions you implemented to overcome these challenges and emphasize your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your strategies for professional development, including attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and following relevant publications. Mention how you apply this knowledge to inform your work as a Surface Program Manager and drive innovation.

Describe your experience with budgeting, including how you allocate resources effectively across various project phases. Detail your monitoring practices and how you ensure fiscal responsibility while driving project success.

Emphasize the importance of open communication and active listening in resolving conflicts. Provide examples of past conflicts, how you navigated them, and the impact of your approach on team dynamics and project outcomes.

Provide a story that highlights a project where customer requirements changed significantly during the development process. Discuss your approach to adapting the project plan and maintaining alignment with goals while ensuring successful delivery.

Discuss the transformative potential of AI in enhancing decision-making, efficiency, and operational effectiveness in defense. Share specific examples of how you envision AI integration into defense projects and how you plan to leverage it in your role at Anduril Industries.