What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Program Manager - Military Laser Systems position at Arete Associates?
At Arete, we are on the forefront of developing 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.
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We are seeking a seasoned Technical Program Manager who blends technical leadership with disciplined program execution from small R&D efforts and prototype development, through NPI/design transfer. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading Electro-Optic or Laser developments for military applications so the products can be transferred into repeatable, high-yield, cost-efficient production. You'll serve as the technical and operational hub for development and NPI efforts, orchestrating engineering, manufacturing, quality, test, supply chain, finance, and customer stakeholders to deliver on cost, schedule, and performance. This position will be based at our Niwot, CO office and is classified as an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time role.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management & Business Leadership
- Own program delivery across multiple efforts (R&D, prototype, and LRIP) and support the transition to full-rate production).
- Build and manage Integrated Master Plans/Schedules (IMP/IMS), budgets, and risk registers; drive closure on risks/opportunities.
- Lead internal/customer reviews (PMRs, gate reviews) and manage contract deliverables, mods, and acceptance.
- Support customer outreach/business development across engineering, program, director, and executive levels; shape roadmaps and capture activities aligned to company strategy (e.g., Arete).
Technical Leadership (Sensors, Optics, Control Systems)
- Provide hands-on leadership across sensors, signal processing techniques and tools, control systems hardware/software, and modeling of physical phenomena.
- Review and interpret mechanical/electro-optical drawings (GD&T), schematics, optical layouts, and BOMs; ensure requirements traceability and sound configuration control.
- Mentor junior staff in engineering best practices; help incubate novel technologies and mature them into productizable solutions.
Prototype Development, Test & Integration
- Lead the development, integration, and field/lab testing of laser prototypes; establish verification/validation plans.
- Stand up prototype build flows, data collection, and lessons-learned to inform product design and manufacturability.
Product Transition (Prototype NPI Production Line)
- Drive design-for-manufacture/assembly/test (DFM/DFA/DFT) and readiness reviews; manage ECOs cleanly via PLM and configuration control.
- Plan and execute pilot builds/FAIs, process validation, and manufacturing readiness (MRL) gates.
- Establish stable work instructions, tooling/fixtures, alignment procedures, and automated test coverage.
Quality, Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with ITAR/EAR, laser safety (ANSI Z136 / ISO 60825), and relevant MIL-STDs (e.g., 810, 461).
- Support audits (internal, and customer); maintain disciplined documentation and production records.
Supply Chain Readiness
- Develop and qualify primary and secondary sources for key components (optics, pump diodes, laser crystals, precision machined parts, coatings, and electronics); manage suppliers for OTD, quality, and cost.
- Mitigate single-source risk via dual-source strategies, buffers, and clear recovery plans.
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:
- Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
- Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- Continuing Education Assistance
Work-Life Balance:
- Flexible Scheduling
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
Qualities We Look For:
- 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):
- 5-10 years managing technical programs across R&D through prototype and NPI, in defense or regulated electro-optics/laser environments.
- Demonstrated leadership in optical/mechanical systems, precision pointing and tracking, passive/active imaging, and/or lasers
- Proven success transitioning complex hardware from engineering development to production
- Fluency reading technical drawings (GD&T), schematics, optical layouts, and navigating BOMs, part numbering, and revision control.
- Comfortable with the basics of lasers, optics, and electronics
- Experience building and managing schedules, budgets, and forecasts using MS Project and some familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
- Excellent communication for technical/executive audiences; effective customer and supplier engagement.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Systems) or closely related field; PMP or equivalent experience.
Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):
- Hands-on background with solid-state/fiber/diode-pumped laser products, optical alignment, coatings, and precision assembly.
- Familiarity with automation for alignment/test; experience with MATLAB/Python and modeling/simulation of physical systems.
- Deep knowledge of MIL-STD-810 (environmental), MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC), laser safety standards, and defense qualification flows.
- Master's degree (Engineering or MBA) a plus.
The salary range for this role is $125,000 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
Arete 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.
Arete 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.
Arete 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 Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.
Areté Associates is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 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 career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Corporate Human Resources at 818.885.2200. 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.
Salary : $125,000 - $180,000