Senior Engineer QA

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing 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 have an immediate need for a Senior Quality Engineer in our Niwot, CO facility. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in challenging environments and brings strong technical expertise in physics-based systems, optical engineering, and/or laser technologies combined with proven quality engineering experience in regulated defense or aerospace environments.

Our QA department focuses on process controls, metrics measurements, test witnessing, and inspection & verification supporting our advanced laser and electro-optical systems. As the Senior Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for program and site-level Quality Assurance functions, with particular emphasis on leading root cause analysis investigations, driving nonconformances to closure, and assisting engineering teams in implementing corrective actions into design and manufacturing processes. You will own the end-to-end nonconformance lifecycle—from detection through verified closure—ensuring systematic resolution and prevention of recurring issues.

This position is open immediately and offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package. This position is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Root Cause Analysis & Nonconformance Closure

• Lead comprehensive root cause analysis investigations using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA, CAPA) to identify true root causes
• Own end-to-end nonconformance management from detection through verified closure for all NCs, SCARs, and CAs
• Drive timely closure by coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining accountability throughout resolution
• Partner with engineering to develop corrective actions and translate findings into ECNs with clear technical rationale and root cause linkage
• Verify corrective action effectiveness through validation testing, process monitoring, and follow-up audits

Process Improvement & Manufacturing Integration

• Work with manufacturing and engineering to identify capability gaps and implement corrective actions into workflows
• Develop and optimize inspection plans, work instructions, and process controls based on design requirements and capability studies (Cpk, SPC)
• Drive process improvements including fixture design, tooling modifications, and DFM initiatives