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Associate Program Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arete Associates

Technical Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Program Management & Business Leadership * Own program delivery across multiple efforts (R&D, prototype, and LRIP) and support the transition to full-rate production). * Build and manage Integrated ...

Arete Associates

Production Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to own full-rate production of advanced military laser systems. After receiving the product from the NPI/development program manager, you will lead the ...

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Associate Program Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$30.5K

$93.2K

$144.1K

How much do associate program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate program manager in Colorado is $93,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Program Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, project management knowledge, and typically a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Jira, or Microsoft Project, and sometimes certifications such as CAPM or PMP are beneficial. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for efficiently coordinating projects, managing stakeholders, and ensuring successful program delivery.

How does an Associate Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams?

Associate Program Managers frequently work across departments, coordinating with teams such as product, engineering, marketing, and operations to ensure program objectives are met. They facilitate communication, align stakeholders on project timelines, and help resolve roadblocks that may arise. This role often requires balancing multiple priorities, managing project documentation, and keeping all team members informed about progress and changes. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as success depends on building positive working relationships and ensuring everyone is moving toward shared goals.

What is an Associate Program Manager?

An Associate Program Manager is an entry- to mid-level professional who supports the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects within a larger program. They work under the guidance of a Program Manager, coordinating tasks, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring project milestones are met. Their responsibilities may include tracking progress, managing documentation, and helping resolve issues to keep projects on schedule. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in project and program management within various industries.

What is the difference between Associate Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectAssociate Program ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, some certifications (e.g., PMP, CAPM)Bachelor's degree often preferred, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentSupports multiple projects within programs, collaborates with managersAssists with specific projects, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, finance, and consulting firms managing complex programsCommon across various industries for project support roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry to mid-level program rolesCompared for entry-level project support roles

The Associate Program Manager typically oversees multiple projects within a program, requiring broader coordination skills and certifications like PMP. In contrast, a Project Coordinator focuses on supporting individual projects with administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in project management but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Manager jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Program Manager jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Program Manager jobs in Colorado? For Associate Program Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Program Manager jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Program Manager jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Associate Program Manager jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Associate Program Manager job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Program Manager jobs in CO? For Associate Program Manager jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Program Manager jobs near you
Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager

Arete Associates

Longmont, CO • On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

At Areté, 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.

We are seeking a seasoned Technical Program Manager who blends technical leadership with disciplined program execution from small R&D efforts and prototype development, through NPI/design transfer. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading Electro-Optic or Laser developments for military applications so the products can be transferred into repeatable, high-yield, cost-efficient production. You’ll serve as the technical and operational hub for development and NPI efforts, orchestrating engineering, manufacturing, quality, test, supply chain, finance, and customer stakeholders to deliver on cost, schedule, and performance. This position will be based at our Niwot, CO office and is classified as an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time role.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management & Business Leadership

  • Own program delivery across multiple efforts (R&D, prototype, and LRIP) and support the transition to full-rate production).
  • Build and manage Integrated Master Plans/Schedules (IMP/IMS), budgets, and risk registers; drive closure on risks/opportunities.
  • Lead internal/customer reviews (PMRs, gate reviews) and manage contract deliverables, mods, and acceptance.
  • Support customer outreach/business development across engineering, program, director, and executive levels; shape roadmaps and capture activities aligned to company strategy (e.g., Areté).

Technical Leadership (Sensors, Optics, Control Systems)

  • Provide hands-on leadership across sensors, signal processing techniques and tools, control systems hardware/software, and modeling of physical phenomena.
  • Review and interpret mechanical/electro-optical drawings (GD&T), schematics, optical layouts, and BOMs; ensure requirements traceability and sound configuration control.
  • Mentor junior staff in engineering best practices; help incubate novel technologies and mature them into productizable solutions.

Prototype Development, Test & Integration

  • Lead the development, integration, and field/lab testing of laser prototypes; establish verification/validation plans.
  • Stand up prototype build flows, data collection, and lessons-learned to inform product design and manufacturability.

Product Transition (Prototype → NPI → Production Line)

  • Drive design-for-manufacture/assembly/test (DFM/DFA/DFT) and readiness reviews; manage ECOs cleanly via PLM and configuration control.
  • Plan and execute pilot builds/FAIs, process validation, and manufacturing readiness (MRL) gates.
  • Establish stable work instructions, tooling/fixtures, alignment procedures, and automated test coverage.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure compliance with ITAR/EAR, laser safety (ANSI Z136 / ISO 60825), and relevant MIL-STDs (e.g., 810, 461).
  • Support audits (internal, and customer); maintain disciplined documentation and production records.

Supply Chain Readiness

  • Develop and qualify primary and secondary sources for key components (optics, pump diodes, laser crystals, precision machined parts, coatings, and electronics); manage suppliers for OTD, quality, and cost.
  • Mitigate single-source risk via dual-source strategies, buffers, and clear recovery plans.

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

Qualities We Look For:

  • 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):

  • 5–10+ years managing technical programs across R&D through prototype and NPI, in defense or regulated electro-optics/laser environments.
  • Demonstrated leadership in optical/mechanical systems, precision pointing and tracking, passive/active imaging, and/or lasers
  • Proven success transitioning complex hardware from engineering development to production
  • Fluency reading technical drawings (GD&T), schematics, optical layouts, and navigating BOMs, part numbering, and revision control.
  • Comfortable with the basics of lasers, optics, and electronics
  • Experience building and managing schedules, budgets, and forecasts using MS Project and some familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
  • Excellent communication for technical/executive audiences; effective customer and supplier engagement.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Systems) or closely related field; PMP or equivalent experience.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

  • Hands-on background with solid-state/fiber/diode-pumped laser products, optical alignment, coatings, and precision assembly.
  • Familiarity with automation for alignment/test; experience with MATLAB/Python and modeling/simulation of physical systems.
  • Deep knowledge of MIL-STD-810 (environmental), MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC), laser safety standards, and defense qualification flows.
  • Master’s degree (Engineering or MBA) a plus.

The salary range for this role is $125,000 to $180,000; 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.