Anduril Industries, Inc.
Senior Category Manager, Sensors/Optics
Anduril Industries, Inc., California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Senior Category Manager, Sensors/Mission Systems
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 Senior Category Manager, Sensors/Mission Systems (internally known at Anduril as a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager) is the domain expert for the sensor/mission systems commodities for Anduril Industries. This is a proactive, high‑impact role in securing critical components, materials, and services that power our products. The role will be responsible for developing new supplier and new sourcing partnerships that can be incorporated into new products, as well as existing products to improve their technologies, cost, and quality. There is broad internal cross‑functional partnership to evaluate supplier opportunities while ensuring commercial agreements, intellectual property, and statements of work are accurate and well established prior to pipelining.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Develop and execute commodity strategies for sensors/mission systems focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply chain resilience
End‑to‑end responsibility for delivering quality parts, when needed, at the right cost
Act as the sourcing expert for sensors/mission systems manufacturing
Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP and strategic sourcing process for sensors/mission systems
Own the business relationship with external Contract Manufacturing and be responsible for continuity of supply, risk management, cost negotiations, and NPI to MP operation execution
Partner with the Engineering team and Contract Manufacturers to influence technical design specs and customize product and manufacturing requirements
Perform detailed analysis of quote submissions based on cost breakdown from data. Deep dive into every element of the supply chain and make data‑driven decisions based on TCO
Work closely with cross‑functional teams to support prototype requirements, execute against build milestones, and lead sourcing activities
Influence CM’s manufacturing processes and CapEx and technology decisions
Negotiate key agreements with suppliers to establish best‑in‑class pricing, quality, flexibility, delivery, payment, warranty, and service terms
Collaborate internally, negotiate the right trade‑offs, solicit cooperation and resolve problems, and advance new supplier or product offerings
Provide strong technical direction within the specific commodities, by evaluating and guiding product strategy throughout the product lifecycle
Manage and lead the operations effort of developing new and adaptations of existing technologies for Anduril
Develop & execute commercial agreements to properly reflect the expectations of the project, which include fixed and variable costs, lead‑times, schedules, manufacturing capacities, etc
Conduct regular technology reviews to Executive staff and management
Own the supplier performance management of their respective commodities, which includes key delivery, quality, cost, and innovation metrics
Act as the primary escalation for their respective commodity
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related technical field
5+ years of experience in supply chain commodity management of sensors/mission systems manufacturing, and/or sourcing engineering
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
Ability to relocate, if not already local to be onsite in Costa Mesa, CA
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical or mechanical engineering
Previous experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, high‑tech, or related industry
Well‑versed in TCO analysis to ensure data‑driven analytics tied to component and supplier selection, in a product‑based ecosystem
Strategic thinker, experienced putting together commodities strategy/roadmap with key engineering stakeholders
Proven leadership in driving and influencing other teams to a common goal. You know how to effectively communicate and collaborate cross‑functionally and with all levels within an organization
Can wear different hats and is a strong team player to help your team move forward
Is fluent in other cross‑functional areas to fill gaps and remove roadblocks when needed
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS clearance
US Salary Range
$128,000 - $192,000 USD
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:
Healthcare Benefits
US Roles:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles:
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles:
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection:
Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off:
Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support:
Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources:
Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development:
Annual reimbursement for professional development.
Commuter Benefits:
Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles:
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles:
Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles:
Superannuation plan.
Are you authorized to work in the United States? Will you require sponsorship from Anduril for employment? How did you hear about Anduril?
As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
Interested in building your career at Anduril Industries? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
#J-18808-Ljbffr
ABOUT THE JOB The Senior Category Manager, Sensors/Mission Systems (internally known at Anduril as a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager) is the domain expert for the sensor/mission systems commodities for Anduril Industries. This is a proactive, high‑impact role in securing critical components, materials, and services that power our products. The role will be responsible for developing new supplier and new sourcing partnerships that can be incorporated into new products, as well as existing products to improve their technologies, cost, and quality. There is broad internal cross‑functional partnership to evaluate supplier opportunities while ensuring commercial agreements, intellectual property, and statements of work are accurate and well established prior to pipelining.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Develop and execute commodity strategies for sensors/mission systems focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply chain resilience
End‑to‑end responsibility for delivering quality parts, when needed, at the right cost
Act as the sourcing expert for sensors/mission systems manufacturing
Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP and strategic sourcing process for sensors/mission systems
Own the business relationship with external Contract Manufacturing and be responsible for continuity of supply, risk management, cost negotiations, and NPI to MP operation execution
Partner with the Engineering team and Contract Manufacturers to influence technical design specs and customize product and manufacturing requirements
Perform detailed analysis of quote submissions based on cost breakdown from data. Deep dive into every element of the supply chain and make data‑driven decisions based on TCO
Work closely with cross‑functional teams to support prototype requirements, execute against build milestones, and lead sourcing activities
Influence CM’s manufacturing processes and CapEx and technology decisions
Negotiate key agreements with suppliers to establish best‑in‑class pricing, quality, flexibility, delivery, payment, warranty, and service terms
Collaborate internally, negotiate the right trade‑offs, solicit cooperation and resolve problems, and advance new supplier or product offerings
Provide strong technical direction within the specific commodities, by evaluating and guiding product strategy throughout the product lifecycle
Manage and lead the operations effort of developing new and adaptations of existing technologies for Anduril
Develop & execute commercial agreements to properly reflect the expectations of the project, which include fixed and variable costs, lead‑times, schedules, manufacturing capacities, etc
Conduct regular technology reviews to Executive staff and management
Own the supplier performance management of their respective commodities, which includes key delivery, quality, cost, and innovation metrics
Act as the primary escalation for their respective commodity
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related technical field
5+ years of experience in supply chain commodity management of sensors/mission systems manufacturing, and/or sourcing engineering
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
Ability to relocate, if not already local to be onsite in Costa Mesa, CA
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical or mechanical engineering
Previous experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, high‑tech, or related industry
Well‑versed in TCO analysis to ensure data‑driven analytics tied to component and supplier selection, in a product‑based ecosystem
Strategic thinker, experienced putting together commodities strategy/roadmap with key engineering stakeholders
Proven leadership in driving and influencing other teams to a common goal. You know how to effectively communicate and collaborate cross‑functionally and with all levels within an organization
Can wear different hats and is a strong team player to help your team move forward
Is fluent in other cross‑functional areas to fill gaps and remove roadblocks when needed
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS clearance
US Salary Range
$128,000 - $192,000 USD
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:
Healthcare Benefits
US Roles:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles:
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles:
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection:
Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off:
Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support:
Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources:
Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development:
Annual reimbursement for professional development.
Commuter Benefits:
Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles:
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles:
Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles:
Superannuation plan.
Are you authorized to work in the United States? Will you require sponsorship from Anduril for employment? How did you hear about Anduril?
As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
Interested in building your career at Anduril Industries? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
#J-18808-Ljbffr