At Arete, we are at 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.
Discover your future with us.
We are seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager / Sector Manager with deep experience leading complex electro-optic programs, driving P/L performance, and building high-performing technical teams. The ideal candidate brings more than 25 years of technical and managerial leadership across electro-optic systems, advanced sensing technologies, and government contracts (FAR/DFAR), with a proven ability to grow business, execute strategically important programs, and foster strong customer and stakeholder relationships. This role will be based at our Niwot, CO office and is an exempt, non-supervisory, full time position.
KeyResponsibilities
Lead full life-cycle program execution for advanced electro-optic systems, including scope, cost, schedule, risk, and technical performance
Drive P/L ownership and financial outcomes across a diverse portfolio, ensuring positive revenue, profit, and sales growth
Develop and execute program strategies aligned with long-term business objectives, including capture, proposal leadership, and cross-functional coordination
Oversee major government programs, including electro-optic systems development, payload integration, transition through production and delivery
Direct teams in earned value management (EIA-748), risk and opportunity management, and performance tracking to established targets
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, government customers, and prime contractors
Strengthen organizational capability through mentorship, team development, and fostering a culture of transparency, innovation, and technical excellence
Guide supply-chain strategy and development for cutting-edge hardware, spanning concept through qualification and production
Support market-shaping initiatives in advanced sensing, LADAR, avionics, and space-based technologies
We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:
Generous PTO and Leave Times
Flextime Scheduling
Bereavement
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Parental Leave
Financial Benefits
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
Dental & Vision 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 progressive leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or space-borne systems development
Demonstrated success as a Program Manager or Sector Manager delivering high-visibility, high-complexity government programs
Proven ability to deliver strong financial results, including multi-year sales growth and effective P/L stewardship
Deep familiarity with FAR/DFAR contracts, EVMS, and multi-discipline engineering environments
Experience with space-based systems development, sensor payloads, or advanced imaging systems
Exceptional strategic thinking, communication skills, and team-building capabilities
Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):
Leadership on space programs or other high-priority U.S. government programs
Background in LADAR, non-conventional imaging
Successful development of supply chain for novel or first-of-kind technical solutions
Advanced degree in Engineering required (Mechanical Engineering)
Leadership on space programs or other high-priority U.S. government programs
Background in LADAR, non-conventional imaging
Successful development of supply chain for novel or first-of-kind technical solutions
Advanced degree in Engineering required (Mechanical Engineering)
The salary range for this role is $180,000 to $245,000/yr; 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.
Aret 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. Aret 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.
Apply at: https://ipc.us/t/E24D4F4E05D5431F.
