Assistant First Article Inspector Jobs in Colorado

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. As a Receiving Inspection Specialist - Electronics at Arete, you will perform independent receiving, in-process, and final inspections of complex electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies, including laser designator top assemblies, across multiple aerospace and defense programs. This role supports a high-volume, growing production environment and requires deep expertise with IPC Class III standards, strong technical judgment, and the ability to maintain accuracy and compliance under schedule pressure. This is a hands-on inspection role, supporting production, and not assembly position. Candidates must have prior authority to independently accept or reject hardware and contribute to MRB activities. The position is based in our Niwot, CO office and is a non-exempt non-supervisory full-time position. Primary Responsibilities: * Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspections of complex electronic, electro-mechanical, and laser designator assemblies with minimal supervision
* Inspect PCBAs, wire harnesses, and electronic subassemblies to IPC-A-610 Class III, IPC-620, and J-STD-001 standards
* Exercise independent technical judgment when evaluating ambiguous, non-routine, or first-time inspection conditions
* Identify defects, escape risks, and long-standing or recurring nonconformances, supporting corrective and preventive action implementation
* Perform and review First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 requirements
* Document inspection results, nonconformances, and dispositions clearly and accurately in the nonconformance database
* Communicate inspection findings effectively to peers, engineering, quality leadership, and senior management
* Manage high-volume, multi-program inspection workloads, supporting increased production throughput while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and delivery commitments
* Analyze inspection and quality metrics to help reduce rework, improve throughput, and enhance inspection effectiveness
* Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, providing technical inspection input
* Ensure all inspection activities comply with the Quality Management System (QMS) and AS9100 requirements
* Provide technical guidance or informal mentoring to peers as needed
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: * Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
* Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
* 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: * Minimum 5 years of hands-on quality inspection experience in electronics or electro-mechanical manufacturing
* Demonstrated experience inspecting to IPC-A-610 Class III and IPC-620 standards
* Ability to interpret electrical schematics, cable drawings, PCB specifications, and inspection procedures
* Experience reviewing travelers, certificates of conformance, and supplier documentation
* Working knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems
* Experience documenting nonconformances and supporting MRB processes
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Associate degree or equivalent experience
* U.S. Citizenship required with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Nice to Have (preferred skills): * Experience performing independent final inspection of laser designator or opto-electronic assemblies
* Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs)
* Experience working in high-mix, high-volume aerospace or defense production environments
* Experience mentoring or supporting junior inspectors
* Familiarity with Costpoint, TIPQA, or similar quality systems
The salary range for this role is $70,000 to $80,000; 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 Areté 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. Areté 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. Areté 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 Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.