Director of Supplier Industrialization Engineering
Anduril · Costa Mesa, United States · 1mo ago
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Director of Supplier Industrialization is responsible for leading the end-to-end development, qualification, and production readiness of the supply base across Anduril's programs. This role bridges Engineering, Supply Chain, Programs, and Manufacturing to ensure that suppliers are capable, qualified, and ready to meet long-term production rate, cost, and performance requirements from concept through full-rate production. The Director will shape the supplier industrialization strategy, driving design-for-manufacturability, affordability, and supply chain resiliency into the earliest stages of product development. This role requires a leader who can operate at the strategic level while diving into the technical details of supplier manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production ramp execution.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Lead and scale the Supplier Industrialization Engineering team, building a high-performing organization that drives supplier manufacturing readiness from new product introduction (NPI) through sustained production. Attract, develop, and retain top talent; hold a high bar through coaching, feedback, and accountability.
- Own the supplier industrialization process end-to-end: supplier capability assessments, Advanced
- Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), process capability validation, and First Article Inspection (FAI) to ensure suppliers are qualified and production-ready.
- Develop and execute multi-year supplier development and second-source qualification strategies for critical components, ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and resilience across the industrial base.
- Lead supplier engagement for manufacturing process optimization, yield improvement, cost reduction, and capacity planning to support radical production rate increases.
- Establish and maintain supplier quality standards and compliance with aerospace and defense requirements (e.g., AS9100, AS9102, AS9145, NADCAP, ITAR/DFARS) across the supply base.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Program Management, Quality,
- Manufacturing, and Finance to align supplier industrialization activities with program milestones and business objectives.
- Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and supplier scorecards to track industrialization progress, supplier health, and production readiness. Provide regular executive-level reporting on risks, opportunities, and performance.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks to supplier readiness, including obsolescence management, technology refresh planning, and supply disruption contingency strategies.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles across the supply base, implementing best practices for process control, defect reduction, and production efficiency.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, aerospace), supply chain management, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supplier industrialization in a complex manufacturing environment involving mechanical and/or electrical assemblies. At least 5+ years in a leadership position managing teams.
- Demonstrated experience with APQP/PPAP processes, supplier capability assessments, and production readiness reviews.
- Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, casting, forging, composites, electronics assembly, surface treatments) and quality systems.
- Proven ability to build and scale teams and processes from early stages to a mature operating organization.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively to executive leadership and external partners.
- Ability to travel up to 25% to supplier sites domestically and internationally.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries with knowledge of aerospace standards such as AS9100, AS9102, AS9145, NADCAP, and ITAR/DFARS compliance requirements.
- Experience managing second-source qualification, obsolescence redesign, or technology refresh programs.
- Experience with complex, multi-tier global supply chains and international supplier management.
- Proven leadership in building supplier industrialization or supplier development functions in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
Per Anduril's expansion plans, we anticipate this job will be based out of Long Beach, CA beginning late 2027.
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:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
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