Receiving Inspection Specialist – CMM / Dimensional / Laser Ha

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 Senior Receiving Inspection Specialist - Mechanical at Arete, you will serve as a subject-matter expert for dimensional and mechanical inspection of precision machined parts, mechanical assemblies, and laser designator hardware supporting aerospace and defense programs. This role supports a high-volume, ramping production environment and requires advanced metrology skills, independent technical judgment, and experience working within AS9100-regulated systems. This is a hands-on inspection role focused on conformance verification, not fabrication or production. The position is based in our Niwot, CO office and is a non-exempt non-supervisory full-time position.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform receiving and final inspections of precision machined parts, mechanical assemblies, and laser designator mechanical hardware
• Conduct dimensional inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and CMM equipment
• Interpret and inspect to engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, specifications, and inspection procedures
• Exercise independent technical judgment when evaluating non-routine or complex inspection conditions
• Identify, document, and disposition nonconforming material, providing detailed inspection findings
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, providing dimensional and metrology expertise
• Perform and review First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 requirements
• Review supplier documentation, certifications, and inspection records for accuracy and compliance
• Manage high-volume, multi-program inspection workloads, supporting increasing production demand while maintaining inspection accuracy and compliance
• Analyze inspection data and quality metrics to identify trends, reduce rework, and improve throughput
• Support internal and external audits and ensure inspection activities comply with the QMS and AS9100
• Provide technical guidance or mentoring to other inspectors 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:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 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 mechanical or dimensional inspection experience in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with CMM operation, dimensional measurement tools, and inspection techniques
• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation
• Experience performing First Article Inspections (AS9102)
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems
• Experience documenting nonconformances and participating in MRB processes
• Proficiency with 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 inspecting laser housings, precision optical/mechanical assemblies, or defense hardware
• Background in metrology or calibration (ISO 17025 a plus)
• Experience supporting high-volume aerospace or defense production ramps
• Experience mentoring junior inspectors or acting as a technical lead
• 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.