Production Support Engineer

AtAret,weareontheforefrontofdevelopinginnovativesolutions,withgreatmindsfromallbackgrounds,tohelp 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 a highly skilled Production Support Engineerto design manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, and material handling. Develop sequences of operations for assemblies and specified procedures for the fabrication of tools, equipment, and other functions that impact product performance. Support mechanical design, environmental validation, and production sustainment of ruggedized electro-optical and laser-based systems. This role works closely with Senior Mechanical Engineers, Optical Engineers, Production, Quality, and Program Management to ensure mechanical integrity, alignment stability, and environmental robustness of hardware across development and production phases. This position is based at our Niwot,COoffice and is a supervisory, exempt, full-time position.

PrimaryResponsibilities:

• Supports mechanical design improvements and develops fixtures and tooling to improve repeatability and robustness of production hardware.
• Works with the Systems Engineering team to make sure all testing requirements are met for prototype and production products.
• Supportstransitionofproductsfromprototypedevelopmenttofull-scaleproduction,withemphasis on mechanical robustness, manufacturability, and repeatability.
• Inspectsequipmentandtoolstoverifytheirefficacyanddeterminetheirpreventativemaintenance schedule and calibration requirements.
• Servesastheprimaryoperatoranddriverofshakertabletesting,executingsine,randomvibration, and shock profiles in accordance with MIL-STD-810 or customer-specific requirements.
• Developsvibrationtestsetupsandmountingstrategiesthataccuratelyreplicatefieldboundary conditions.
• Collects,analyzes,anddocumentsvibrationandshocktestdatatoevaluatemechanicalstability, fastener retention, optical alignment integrity, and structural performance.
• AssistswithschedulingManufacturingOrders.
• Exports,processesandanalyzedatafromERPsoftwaretools.
• Creates,documents,andrefinesstandardizedworkproceduresforallassemblyprocessestoensure consistencyandefficiency. Developsandrefinesmechanicalassemblyproceduresrelatedtotorque, staking, bonding, and retention features to ensure hardware reliability.
• Participatesinassemblyoperationstogainfamiliaritywiththeproductionprocess.Provideshands-on production support, troubleshooting mechanical issues on the manufacturing floor and working directly with technicians to resolve hardware concerns.
• Leadsmechanicalrootcauseinvestigationsforhardwarenon-conformances,includingloose components, alignment shifts, vibration-induced failures, or retention issues, working cross-functionally with the MRB team (Quality, Production, Program Management).
• Ensuresmechanicaldesignsandassembliesmeetenvironmental,structural,anddurability requirements in production hardware.
• Workscross-functionallywithdesign,engineering,andqualityteamstoaddressproduction challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensurecompliancewithsafetyregulationsandpromotesacultureofworkplacesafety
• Providesfeedbacktodesignengineeringonmechanicalrobustnessandmanufacturability improvements based on test results and production experience.
• Analyzes current production processes and implements strategies for continual process improvement, reducing waste and increasing efficiency using methodologies such as Lean tools and Six Sigma.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Flextime Scheduling
• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

WhatWe 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):

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field and 4+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or process engineering role
• Experiencereadingdrawingsandcreatingprocessflowbasedonaproduct’sdrawingtree
• Strongunderstandingofmanufacturingprocesses,leanmanufacturingprinciples,andprocess improvement methodologies
• Abilitytocreateanddocumentworkinstructions,standardoperatingprocedures(SOPs),andtraining materials
• Abilitytoimplementhardwaresolutionsfromconceptdevelopmenttodelivery
• Strongproblem-solvingskillswithacontinuousimprovementmindset
• ProficientuseofstandardMSOfficesoftware(Word,PowerPoint,Excel)includingabilitytoorganize and efficiently process data in Excel
• Occasionalliftingofhardwareasrequired
• Ability to obtain security clearance

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Experiencesupportingelectro-opticalorlaser-basedsystemsindefenseoraerospaceenvironments.
• Experienceoperatingvibration(shakertable)systemsandexecutingenvironmentaltestprotocols.
• Comfortableinadaptingtosupportawidevarietyofrolestosupportvariousproductdevelopment and production projects.
• Workingknowledgeofleanmanufacturingprinciples.
• Experiencetransitioningproductfromprototypetoproduction.
• Intellectualcuriosityanddesireforcontinuouslearning.
• Excellentcommunicationandteamworkabilities.
• ProficientinCADsoftwareandERP/MRPsystems.
• Strongworkethic.
• Detailorientedandorganized.
• 2+yearsofexperienceinthedefenseindustry.
• Experience with optical systems.

The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $115,000; 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

Aretiscommittedtotheprinciplesofequalemploymentopportunityandnondiscrimination,andwebelieveevery person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

AretisanEqualOpportunityemployer.Allqualifiedapplicantswillreceiveconsiderationforemployment withoutregardtorace,color,religion,sex,genderidentity,maritalstatus,nationalorigin,age,veteranstatus, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S.citizenshipisrequiredtomeetpositioneligibility.

Successfulpassageofacriminalbackgroundscreenisrequiredtomeetpositioneligibility.

Selectedapplicantswillbesubjecttoagovernmentsecurityinvestigationandmustmeeteligibilityrequirements for access to classified information.

Aretwillconsiderforemploymentqualifiedapplicantswithcriminalhistoriesinamannerconsistentwiththerequirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

SuccessfulpassageofaDepartmentofTransportation(DOT)drugtestisrequiredtomeetpositioneligibility.

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 Aret Human Resources at for assistance.