Senior Quality Engineer - Defense Optics & Laser Systems

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

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