Senior Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Areté, 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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)

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

Areté 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Areté Human Resources at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com for assistance.