Senior Manager, Quality Assurance Engineering

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

The Senior Manager, Quality Assurance Engineering is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality management systems across both defense and commercial operations. This role ensures all products and processes meet regulatory, customer, and internal requirements, including compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) standards, ISO 9001, AS9100, and other applicable industry certifications. This position provides strategic quality leadership in support of mission- critical defense programs while also driving quality excellence across commercial product lines. This position is based in our Tucson, AZ or Niwot, CO office and is a supervisory, exempt, full-time position.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Quality Department, including quality engineers, inspectors, and analysts
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems across defense and commercial programs
• Ensure compliance with DoD requirements, ISO 9001, AS9100, DFARS, ITAR, and applicable customer standards
• Plan and lead internal and external audits; serve as the primary quality interface during customer and regulatory audits
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to address nonconformances and systemic Issues
• Establish and guide inspection methodologies and sampling plans based on risk, product complexity, and customer requirements
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Procurement, Materials, and Program Management to ensure quality is embedded throughout the product lifecycle
• Support government and commercial customer engagements, including inspections, reviews, and quality-related communications
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, risk reduction, and customer satisfaction

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance\

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Active Secret Clearance
• Proven experience in a quality leadership role within defense and commercial manufacturing environments
• Strong knowledge of military specifications, DoD quality requirements, DFARS, ITAR, ISO 9001, and AS9100Experience managing audits, CAPA processes, and quality system compliance
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence cross-functional partners, and drive change
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skill

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Experience supporting both government and commercial customers
• Track record of successfully scaling or improving quality systems
• Commitment to continuous improvement and high-reliability manufacturing environments

The annual salary range for this role is $160,000 to $180,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.