Senior Program Manager – Solid-State Lasers & Lidar

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flextime Scheduling

Bereavement

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Parental Leave

Company-funded 5% 401(k) matching

Continuing Education Assistance

Job summary

Arete Associates seeks a Senior Program Manager (SPM) with deep expertise in advanced solid-state laser development and lidar/ladar sensing to oversee a portfolio of defense-focused programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, customer engagement, and execution within FAR/DFAR environments, guiding multiple laser and sensing programs, reporting to DoD customers, and shaping program outcomes with integrity and accountability.

Qualifications

• 20+ years 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.
• Proven success managing portfolios or multiple concurrent programs.
• Exceptional customer engagement and communication skills.
• Strong ability to shape customer expectations and build confidence in technical teams.
• Experience with FAR/DFAR-based contracting.

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

Program management

Customer engagement

Communication

FAR/DFAR contracting

Defense industry experience

Strategic planning

Lidar/ladar knowledge

Education

Advanced degree in Physics/Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Arete Associates seeks a Senior Program Manager (SPM) with deep expertise in advanced solid-state laser development and lidar/ladar sensing to oversee a portfolio of defense-focused programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, customer engagement, and execution within FAR/DFAR environments, guiding multiple laser and sensing programs, reporting to DoD customers, and shaping program outcomes with integrity and accountability.