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Technical Program Director Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arete

Technical Program Manager

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

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 ...

Arete Associates

Technical Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

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 ...

Arcfield

Technical Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

The program director manages one or more projects or programs, may manage an operating office and supervises professional and technical personnel performing in their customary disciplines.

Auria

Technical Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO

$145K - $180K/yr

Direct and integrate work across multiple technical domains and agile teams (e.g., development ... Champion disciplined program management practices, a culture of transparency, accountability, and ...

Auria

Technical Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site +1

$145K - $180K/yr

Direct and integrate work across multiple technical domains and agile teams (e.g., development ... Champion disciplined program management practices, a culture of transparency, accountability, and ...

Anduril Industries

Program Analyst

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

Reporting to the technical Program Director, you will strengthen and develop your business knowledge and expertise by being a part of a fast-growing company that delivers technology solutions to ...

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All JobsTechnical Program Director JobsTechnical Program Director Jobs in Colorado

Technical Program Director information

See Colorado salary details

$93.6K

$153.2K

$177.2K

How much do technical program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical program director in Colorado is $153,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technical Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Program Director, you need expertise in program management, a strong technical background (often in computer science or engineering), and experience leading large-scale projects. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Asana), agile methodologies, and certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills help you manage cross-functional teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals in complex technical environments.

How does a Technical Program Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

A Technical Program Director works closely with engineering, product management, design, and business teams to align project goals and technical requirements. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure clear communication, resolve roadblocks, and keep all stakeholders informed of progress and changes. By fostering a collaborative environment, they help teams anticipate challenges early and maintain momentum toward shared objectives. This role often acts as a bridge between technical and non-technical departments, ensuring alignment and smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Technical Program Director vs Technical Project Manager?

AspectTechnical Program DirectorTechnical Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications like PMP or PgMP are commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in a technical field; PMP or similar certifications are often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects across departments, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term goalsManages individual projects, ensuring timely delivery and scope management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, large corporations, and organizations with complex product portfoliosWidely used in IT, software development, and engineering firms for project execution

The Technical Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple interconnected projects and aligning them with strategic business objectives, while the Technical Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of specific projects. Both roles require technical expertise and certifications, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does a Technical Program Director do?

A Technical Program Director oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of complex technical projects or programs within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure alignment with strategic business goals. Additionally, they communicate progress to stakeholders, resolve technical and organizational challenges, and contribute to the development of best practices. This role often requires both strong technical expertise and excellent leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Program jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Technical Program jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Technical Program Director jobs in Colorado? For Technical Program Director jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Program Director jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Program Director jobs in Colorado are:
Technical Program Director jobs near you
Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager

Arete

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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.
ProductTransition(Prototype-NPI-ProductionLine)
  • 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+yearsmanaging 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 automationfor 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.PandoLogic. Keywords: Program Manager, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

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