Senior Engineer QA

Areté; Colorado; On-site; USD 120,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Areté in Niwot, CO is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to lead root cause investigations and manage nonconformances through closure. The role focuses on process controls, CAPA, and cross-functional collaboration to improve design and manufacturing quality of advanced laser and optical systems.

The ideal candidate will drive corrective actions, participate in internal and external audits, and ensure AS9100 compliance while supporting engineering teams with robust verification and documentation

Qualifications

• Experience in physics-based systems, optical engineering, or laser technologies.
• Proven quality engineering experience in regulated defense or aerospace environments.
• Ability to lead root cause analysis investigations.
• Familiarity with QMS and AS9100 compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause analysis investigations using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA, CAPA).
• Own end-to-end nonconformance management from detection to verified closure for NCs, SCARs, and CAs.
• Drive timely closure by coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining accountability.
• Partner with engineering to develop corrective actions and translate findings into ECNs with clear rationale.
• Verify corrective action effectiveness through validation testing and audits.

Skills

Root cause analysis

CAPA

8D

FMEA

5 Whys

ECN

Quality Assurance

AS9100

Job description

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Full Time Niwot, CO, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1483

Salary Range: $120,000.00 To $132,000.00 Annually

At Areté, 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.

We have an immediate need for aSenior Quality Engineerin our Niwot, CO facility. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in challenging environments and brings strong technical expertise in physics-based systems, optical engineering, and/or laser technologies combined with proven quality engineering experience in regulated defense or aerospace environments.

Our QA department focuses on process controls, metrics measurements, test witnessing, and inspection & verification supporting our advanced laser and electro-optical systems. As the Senior Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for program and site-level Quality Assurance functions, with particular emphasis on leading root cause analysis investigations, driving nonconformances to closure, and assisting engineering teams in implementing corrective actions into design and manufacturing processes. You will own the end-to-end nonconformance lifecycle-from detection through verified closure- ensuring systematic resolution and prevention of recurring issues.

This position is open immediately and offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package. This position is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Lead comprehensive root cause analysis investigations using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA, CAPA) to identify true root causes
• Own end-to-end nonconformance management from detection through verified closure for all NCs, SCARs, and CAs
• Drive timely closure by coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining accountability throughout resolution
• Partner with engineering to develop corrective actions and translate findings into ECNs with clear technical rationale and root cause linkage
• Verify corrective action effectiveness through validation testing, process monitoring, and follow-up audits

Process Improvement & Manufacturing Integration

• Work with manufacturing and engineering to identify capability gaps and implement corrective actions into workflows
• Develop and optimize inspection plans, work instructions, and process controls based on design requirements and capability studies (Cpk, SPC)
• Drive process improvements including fixture design, tooling modifications, and DFM initiatives
• Monitor and report on production performance of deliverable hardware and software products

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Oversee and continuously improve the QMS, driving the site toward continued AS9100 compliance
• Support internal and external audits (AS9100 & customer) with technical documentation and corrective action evidence