Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on4101, Rogers Road, Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado, 80501, United States
About Areté
At Areté, 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. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to own the full-rate production of advanced military laser systems. After receiving the product from the NPI/development program manager, you will lead the program through capacity scaling, yield improvement, cost reduction, and touch-labor optimization. This role is ideal for a data-driven, operations-minded leader with strong manufacturing acumen and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a high-reliability, regulated production environment.
You will serve as the hub for production efforts, orchestrating manufacturing engineering, technicians, quality, test, supply chain, finance, and customer stakeholders. Your mission is to drive production execution, eliminate bottlenecks, improve throughput, and deliver recurring units at high quality, on schedule, and at target cost. This position is based at our Niwot, CO office.
Hiring Process & Eligibility
To ensure the integrity and security of our mission, selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility. Successful passage of a criminal background screen and a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is also required.
Equal Opportunity & Culture
Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. 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.
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. 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.
Work location
Work model: On-site
4101, Rogers Road, Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado, 80501, United States
Longmont, Colorado
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleLead full-rate production of advanced military laser systems from pilot builds to stable operations
- check_circleDrive capacity scaling, yield improvement, and touch-labor optimization strategies
- check_circleManage production schedules, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics using earned value analysis
- check_circleEstablish statistical process controls and lead root-cause investigations for yield issues
- check_circleEnsure supply chain readiness and manage supplier performance and risk mitigation
- check_circleMaintain rigorous configuration control and alignment to AS9100/ISO 9001 and MIL-STDs
- check_circleImplement lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce direct labor hours and eliminate waste
- check_circleOrchestrate cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and finance
Requirements
- verified5–10+ years of project/program management in production environments
- verifiedBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or equivalent technical discipline
- verifiedU.S. citizenship
- verifiedSuccessful passage of a criminal background screen
- verifiedSuccessful passage of a DOT drug test
- verifiedEligibility for access to classified information
Nice to Have
Experience with high-volume optical alignment, precision mechanical assembly, or laser module production. Familiarity with automation, robotic handling, or semi-automated optical alignment/test systems. Experience with EVMS, cost reporting, and DCMA interactions. Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt). MBA or Master's degree in Engineering.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleMedical, Dental & Vision Insurancecheck_circleLife and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurancecheck_circleVision Reimbursementcheck_circleFitness ReimbursementCompany-funded 5% contribution to 401(k) retirement plan
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Value-Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Statistical Process Controls, SPC, Capa, Earned Value, MS Project, Primavera.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or equivalent technical discipline required; MBA or Master's degree in Engineering preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté
What does a Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté do?expand_more
In this Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté role, you will lead full-rate production of advanced military laser systems from pilot builds to stable operations; drive capacity scaling, yield improvement, and touch-labor optimization strategies; manage production schedules, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics using earned value analysis; and establish statistical process controls and lead root-cause investigations for yield issues.
What are the requirements for this Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems role?expand_more
Areté is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: 5–10+ years of project/program management in production environments; Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or equivalent technical discipline; U.S. citizenship; Successful passage of a criminal background screen; Successful passage of a DOT drug test; and Eligibility for access to classified information.
Where is the Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems role at Areté located?expand_more
Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté is based in 4101, Rogers Road, Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado, 80501, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Areté has listed this Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems role?expand_more
Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté typically requires 5–10 years of relevant experience at the senior level.
What skills do you need for the Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems role at Areté?expand_more
Key skills for Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté include Lean Manufacturing; 5S; Value-Stream Mapping; Kaizen; Statistical Process Controls; SPC; Capa; and Earned Value.
What education is required for Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or equivalent technical discipline required; and MBA or Master's degree in Engineering preferred.
What category does the Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems role belong to?expand_more
Production Program Manager – Military Laser Systems at Areté is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.
About Areté
Areté is a defense and space manufacturing firm headquartered in Northridge, California, specializing in advanced science and engineering solutions for the United States Defense and Intelligence agencies. Established in 1976 by a team of five scientists, the company originated to address complex signal detection challenges within heavy clutter environments. Since its inception, Areté has maintained a first-principles-of-physics approach to solving technical problems, a methodology that has defined its development programs for over four decades. As an employee-owned organization, the company derives its name from the Greek concept of excellence and maximum performance.
The firm operates across the electromagnetic spectrum, developing sensors and signal processing algorithms for systems functioning underwater, in the atmosphere, and in space. Areté focuses on enhancing the performance of existing sensor infrastructure through real-time executable software, often delivering results at a fraction of the cost and time required for system replacement. By leveraging deep expertise in detection theory, the company integrates contextual, spatial, spectral, and temporal data characteristics into its algorithms. This strategy enables the rapid delivery of innovative solutions to clients facing evolving operational challenges in the defense sector.
Browse more roles: All Areté jobs, engineering jobs on Recrutus.