Senior Program Manager

Arete Associates•Niwot, CO

2d•$180,000 - $245,000

About The Position

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 (SPM) with deep expertise in advanced solid-state laser development and broad experience in complex electro-optical technologies. This leader will oversee a portfolio of high-priority development programs, including multiple solid-state laser initiatives and lidar/ladar sensing efforts aligned to critical defense and security applications. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator capable of building customer trust, shaping expectations, and representing the technical and execution capabilities of our teams.

Requirements

20+ years of experience in defense or advanced electro-optics industries leading complex development efforts.
Demonstrated leadership in advanced solid-state laser development.
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.
Advanced degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience in lidar/ladar system development preferred but not required.
Leadership of military laser development programs.
Experience with advanced optical subsystems, photonics, or precision sensing architectures.
Development of supply chains for specialized optical, photonic, or laser components.
Experience shaping technology roadmaps and aligning them to customer mission needs.

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.