Receiving Inspection Specialist - CMM​/Laser Hardware

At Arete, 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.

At Arete, you will serve as a subject-matter expert for dimensional and mechanical inspection of precision machined parts, mechanical assemblies, and laser designator hardware supporting aerospace and defense programs. This role supports a high-volume, ramping production environment and requires advanced metrology skills, independent technical judgment, and experience working within AS9100-regulated systems. This is a hands‑on inspection role focused on conformance verification, not fabrication or production.

The position is based in our Niwot, CO office and is a non‑exempt non‑supervisory full‑time position.

• Perform receiving and final inspections of precision machined parts, mechanical assemblies, and laser designator mechanical hardware
• Conduct dimensional inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and CMM equipment
• Interpret and inspect to engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, specifications, and inspection procedures
• Exercise independent technical judgment when evaluating non‑routine or complex inspection conditions
• Identify, document, and disposition nonconforming material
  , providing detailed inspection findings
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, providing dimensional and metrology expertise
• Perform and review First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 requirements
• Review supplier documentation, certifications, and inspection records for accuracy and compliance
• Manage high-volume, multi-program inspection workloads
  , supporting increasing production demand while maintaining inspection accuracy and compliance
• Analyze inspection data and quality metrics to identify trends, reduce rework, and improve throughput
• Support internal and external audits and ensure inspection activities comply with the QMS and AS9100
• Provide technical guidance or mentoring to other inspectors as needed

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

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

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

• 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

• Minimum 5 years of mechanical or dimensional inspection experience in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with CMM operation
  , dimensional measurement tools, and inspection techniques
• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation
• Experience performing First Article Inspections (AS9102)
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems
• Experience documenting nonconformances and participating in MRB processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Associate degree or equivalent experience
• U.S. Citizenship required with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Experience inspecting laser housings, precision optical/mechanical assemblies, or defense hardware
• Background in metrology or calibration (ISO 17025 a plus)
• Experience supporting high-volume aerospace or defense production ramps
• Experience mentoring junior inspectors or acting as a technical lead
• Familiarity with Costpoint, TIPQA, or similar…