Senior Program Manager: Defense Lasers & Lidar Programs

Areté; Niwot (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flextime scheduling

Bereavement

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-funded 5% 401(k) contribution

Company-funded 5% stock ownership plan

Continuing Education Assistance

Medical Insurance

Life Insurance and LTD

Vision Reimbursement

Job summary

Areté seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead a portfolio of cutting-edge defense technology programs in Niwot, CO. You will oversee solid-state laser and lidar/ladar initiatives, ensure strategic delivery, and maintain strong government/customer relationships.

Ideal candidates bring 20+ years in defense or electro-optics, exceptional communication, and FAR/DFAR contracting experience to drive program success and ensure mission alignment.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in defense or advanced electro-optics leading complex development efforts.
• Demonstrated leadership in advanced solid-state laser development.
• Experience in lidar/ladar system development preferred but not required.
• Exceptional customer engagement and communication skills.
• Strong ability to shape customer expectations and build confidence in technical teams.
• Experience with FAR/DFAR-based contracting.
• Advanced degree in Physics, Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of advanced technology development programs, ensuring unified strategy, resource alignment, and consistent delivery outcomes.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to Program Managers responsible for individual laser or lidar/ladar programs.
• Oversee development of advanced solid-state laser systems for defense applications.
• Guide lidar/ladar sensing technology programs as part of the broader portfolio.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact for all programs within the portfolio.
• Build strong, transparent relationships with government and DoD prime customers.
• Set clear expectations, communicate program status confidently, and maintain customer trust.
• Manage execution within FAR/DFAR environments, including reporting and compliance.
• Lead proposal development, capture strategies, and negotiations for laser and sensing programs.
• Foster a high-performance, results-based culture emphasizing ownership, integrity, and transparency.

Skills

Leadership

Customer engagement

Strategic program management

Advanced solid-state laser development

FAR/DFAR contracting

Education

Advanced degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Areté seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead a portfolio of cutting-edge defense technology programs in Niwot, CO. You will oversee solid-state laser and lidar/ladar initiatives, ensure strategic delivery, and maintain strong government/customer relationships.

Ideal candidates bring 20+ years in defense or electro-optics, exceptional communication, and FAR/DFAR contracting experience to drive program success and ensure mission alignment.