Senior Program Manager

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Full Time Niwot, CO, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

At Areté, we are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, tohelp 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.

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager (SPM) with deep expertise in advanced solid-state laser development and broad experience in complex electro-optical technologies. This leader will oversee a portfolio of high-priority development programs, including multiple solid-state laser initiatives and lidar/ladar sensing efforts aligned to critical defense and security applications. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator capable of building customer trust, shaping expectations, and representing the technical and execution capabilities of our teams.

Key
Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of advanced technology development programs, ensuring unified strategy, resource alignment, and consistent delivery outcomes.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to Program Managers responsible for individual laser or lidar/ladar programs.
• Oversee development of advanced solid-state laser systems for defense applications.
• Guide lidar/ladar sensing technology programs as part of the broader portfolio.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact for all programs within the portfolio.
• Build strong, transparent relationships with government and DoD prime customers.
• Set clear expectations, communicate program status confidently, and maintain customer trust.
• Manage execution within FAR/DFAR environments, including reporting and compliance.
• Lead proposal development, capture strategies, and negotiations for laser and sensing programs.
• Foster a high-performance, results-based culture emphasizing ownership, integrity, and transparency.

Wehaveanimpressiverangeofbenefits,programs,andperksthatwe offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Flextime Scheduling
• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

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):

• 20+ years of experience in defense or advanced electro-optics industries leading complex development efforts.
• Demonstrated leadership in advanced solid-state laser development.
• Experience in lidar/ladar system development preferred but not required.
• Exceptional customer engagement and communication skills.
• Strong ability to shape customer expectations and build confidence in technical teams.
• Experience with FAR/DFAR-based contracting.
• Advanced degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Leadership of military laser development programs.
• Experience with advanced optical subsystems, photonics, or precision sensing architectures.
• Development of supply chains for specialized optical, photonic, or…