Director of Production - IDCA

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 TEAM Advanced Infrared Solutions (AIRS), formerly American Infrared Solutions, was acquired by Anduril Industries in 2025 and now operates as part of the Imaging Business Line. For more than 10 years, AIRS has designed and built world-class, high-performance cooled infrared cameras and subsystems, including critical components such as Integrated Dewar Cooler Assemblies (IDCAs). From its site in Hudson, NH, AIRS is expanding to supply these critical components both internally, to Anduril's Imaging products, and externally, to serve as a merchant supplier to the broader defense, space, and commercial industrial base. Growing the external merchant supplier business alongside internal production is a core strategic priority for the Business Line. ABOUT THE JOB: We are seeking a Director of Production with deep technical expertise in cooled infrared imaging and high-vacuum assembly processes to lead and scale AIRS production operations. This role combines hands-on manufacturing knowledge with production leadership, owning outcomes from new product introduction through full-rate production. WHAT YOU'LL DO Own all AIRS production outcomes including ramp plans, new product introductions (NPI), headcount planning, and on-time delivery targets. Serve as both a strategic leader and hands-on executor for AIRS manufacturing operations, driving production from low-rate initial production through full-rate production. Lead and develop a cross-functional manufacturing team spanning production, manufacturing engineering, and quality, establishing clear career paths and a high-performance culture. Drive the full lifecycle of IDCA and infrared module manufacturing process design, documentation, and continuous improvement, ensuring high yield, quality, and efficiency. Strategize and execute initiatives to significantly increase production capacity, including the specification, sourcing, installation, and qualification of new process equipment. Champion automation, data collection, and process control systems to enhance quality, reduce cycle time, and expand test coverage across AIRS production lines. Develop and manage comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) and equipment spares programs to maximize equipment uptime and overall operational efficiency, with particular focus on high-vacuum systems and cooled thermal imaging assemblies. Hold cross-functional teams accountable to meeting demands, deadlines, and goals, building strong partnerships with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management. Establish and manage financial, quality, and on-time delivery KPIs to understand how manufacturing operations are impacting the business. Support the development and implementation of digital technologies — from PLM and ERP to custom MES and QMS systems — that enable production operations to efficiently scale while meeting customer requirements. Be accountable to AS9100D guidelines and drive a culture of continuous improvement across all manufacturing processes. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Degree in a technical field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, math, or a hard science. 8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing or production operations within a deeply technical hardware industry such as aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, medical, or automotive. 3+ years of experience in a production leadership role managing cross-functional teams including manufacturing engineering, quality, and technicians. Professional experience with high-vacuum systems and/or the cooled thermal imaging industry, specifically with Dewars, coolers, and IDCAs. Proven track record of yield and process improvement, ideally supported by a Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent methodology expertise. Demonstrated experience owning a new product ramp through full-rate production. Experience managing production budgets and driving teams to financial and operational targets. Strong ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Startup or high-growth experience preferred. Ability to engage with engineering teams on a highly technical level while maintaining a strong outcome orientation and driving initiatives from inception to implementation. Relentless d