New

Production Manager

Arete Associates
125000.00 To 140000.00 (USD) Annually
vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Colorado, Niwot
Sep 02, 2025
At Arete, we are on 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. As Production Manager, you will provide leadership across multiple expanding laser and optical systems production programs within an AS9100-certified environment. These programs include both established product lines currently in production and new prototypes transitioning into full-scale manufacturing. You will report to the Senior Manager, Production, and support Program Managers in overseeing day-to-day operations and planning of production activities across the facility. In this role, you will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including Program Management, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Materials, and Purchasing. You will be responsible for ensuring all orders are delivered on time while maintaining strict compliance with Arete's Quality Management System. This position requires a hands-on leader with a strong focus on process improvement, operational efficiency, and scaling production capacity to meet increasing demand. This is a full-time, exempt, supervisory position based in our Niwot, CO office. Primary responsibilities: Manage day-to-day production activities to ensure on-time delivery of customer orders including developing schedules, managing to a budget, assigning and monitoring personnel daily activities, allocating resources and resolving issues that arise. Lead internal team meetings, support customer meetings Ensure all production processes comply with company QMS standards and applicable regulations. Lead, train, and mentor production staff, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce lead times and costs, and enhance product quality. Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to resolve production issues. Coordinate and prioritize staff, equipment and space among the multiple production programs Maintain production metrics, capacity planning, and resource allocation. Support strategic initiatives to expand production capabilities and meet future growth objectives. Support request for proposal efforts Support internal and external audits Some travel may be required We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer: Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Vision Reimbursement Fitness Reimbursement Financial: 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Continuing Education Assistance Work-Life Balance: Flexible Scheduling Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave What We Value: Creativity and innovation in solving challenges Integrity and responsibility in all actions Collaboration across teams and specialties Responsiveness in fast-paced environments Passion for national security and excellence Experiences and Background We Look For (required skills): Minimum of 9 years relevant experience in a production environment, including experience in Production Management in an aerospace, Defense or high-tech manufacturing company Strong knowledge of production planning, scheduling, and workflow optimization. Familiarity with QMS standards and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma). Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume production environment Effective oral and written skills MS Office Suite Nice to Have (preferred skills): Experience transitioning product from prototype to production Laser, optical, sensor system production experience Technical understanding of lasers, optical systems and sensors MRP The salary range for this role is $125,000 to $140,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Other Considerations Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration. Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility. Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility. Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.