Operations Lead

Anduril is building next-generation autonomous platforms, robotic systems, and advanced warfighting capabilities. Our Hardware Test & Operations (HTO) organization ensures every system we deliver is safe, reliable, and combat-ready — from first article through fielding.

We are seeking an Operations Leader to serve as a tactical business execution manager within HTO, reporting directly to the Deputy. This role is the operational backbone of a rapidly scaling robotic systems test enterprise — owning business and resource support, financial performance, performance metrics, and day-to-day organizational execution. You will translate strategy into action, keep the machine running, and build the connective tissue between pillar leads, program teams, and leadership.

This is a role for a practical operator with a can-do mentality and something to prove — someone who thrives on making an organization sharper, faster, and more accountable. If you have a bias for action, a head for numbers, and the grit to build structure where none exists, this is your opportunity.

What You'll Do

• Own HTO Support Operations & Organizational Rhythm – Build and run the operating cadence for HTO: staff meetings, pillar-level reviews, scorecard cycles, and cross-functional coordination. Ensure the Deputy and VP have clean, timely information to make decisions. You are the person who makes the trains run on time.

• Drive Business Metrics & Performance Reporting – Define, instrument, and report metrics that matter headcount vs. capacity, throughput vs. demand, IRAD burn rates, program fund utilization, all while pushing engineering integration keeping Hardware Test a competitive advantage for Anduril. Turn raw data into executive-ready dashboards and action items.

• Lead Financial Performance Execution & Resource Planning – Own the 6/12/24-month execution outlook across the organization. Track resource allocation and utilization. Execute around a vision to automate repetitive actions impacting execution. Build bottoms-up resourcing models that tie capability to demand signals, not wish lists. Identify gaps early and propose solutions.

• Advance Service Organization Maturity – Treat HTO as a service organization. Define what "service" means at each interface — response time, throughput commitment, quality standard — and measure against it. Build the processes that transform a collection of test teams into an integrated, customer-oriented enterprise.

• Support Aviation & Flight Operations Coordination – Partner with the Director of Flight Operations and functional leads to integrate aviation test operations into the broader business cadence. Ensure flight-test scheduling, airworthiness coordination, and range readiness are tracked, improved, and adequately priced with the same rigor as every other operational thread.

• Manage Cross-functional Handoffs & Execution – Track progress of functional support, and report on performance of critical Deputy and VP Initiatives. Serve as a trusted liaison in the HTO Organization both internally and externally. Strive toward maturing establishing written agreements with named owners and status reporting.

• Enable the PDP Milestone Process – Support pillar leads in delivering against the Product Development Process (PDP) gates — SRR through ORR. Track T&E deliverables across the Core Five framework (Test Strategy, Risk Management, Resource/Infra/Data, Test Execution & Reporting, Assurance & Compliance). Ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

• Build Structure & Eliminate Drag – Identify what's broken, duplicated, or missing in how HTO operates. Propose and execute fixes — whether that's a new reporting template, a streamlined approval process, or killing a meeting that doesn't earn its time. Your job is to make pillar leads more effective, not more burdened.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related discipline. Equivalent relevant experience may substitute.

• 7+ years of experience in business operations, program management, or operational leadership within a technical or defense environment, with at least 3+ years managing cross-functional processes across multiple teams or sites.

• Demonstrated strength in financial forecasting, resource planning, and budget tracking — you are fluent in the language of burn rates, run rates, and demand signals.

• Proven ability to build and sustain operational rhythms: review cadences, scorecards, dashboards, and reporting frameworks from scratch.

• Experience in aviation, aerospace, or unmanned systems operations — you understand the unique tempo, safety culture, and regulatory landscape of flight-test environments.

• Strong analytical skills with hands-on proficiency in data tools (Excel modeling, BI dashboards, or equivalent). You don't wait for someone else to pull the numbers.

• Track record of building or significantly improving a service organization — establishing SLAs, measuring throughput, and holding teams accountable to commitments.

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills — capable of distilling complexity into clear, concise briefings for senior leadership.

• Bias for action and a practical, results-oriented mindset. You would rather be specific and wrong than vague and safe.

• Ability to travel up to 25% for domestic test site coordination and cross-pillar engagement.

• Active U.S. Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

• Prior experience in a Deputy/Chief of Staff/Operations Manager role supporting a VP or senior director in a high-growth defense or aerospace organization.

• Familiarity with DoD Product Development Process (PDP) milestones, T&E gate reviews, and defense acquisition lifecycle.

• Experience with robotic systems, autonomous platforms, or unmanned aerial systems — either in test, operations, or program management.

• Knowledge of IRAD/program-funded cost structures and defense contract financial management.

• Experience standing up operational infrastructure in a fast-moving, ambiguity-rich environment where process didn't exist before you arrived.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.