Panasas delivers software-defined storage solutions that redefine the industry standards for reliability, simplicity, and scalability in AI and HPC storage by eliminating downtime, data loss, and complexity. The self-healing, self-managing architecture of the proven PanFS® parallel file system provides unprecedented data integrity and ease of use to accelerate performance-intensive workloads in academic research, government, energy, life sciences, and manufacturing sectors. As a pioneer in high-performance data storage, Panasas has over two decades of experience helping customers solve their most complex data challenges at scale and is the trusted partner of choice for data-driven research institutes and enterprises across the globe. For more information, visit www.panasas.com

Industry: Software Development
Company Size: 51-200 employees

Panasas

Savvy Admin PROD

**Description**

**Position Overview:**

VDURA is a leader in high-performance parallel file systems and distributed storage solutions for AI and HPC environments. We are seeking an entry-level Software Engineer to join our engineering team in Colorado and help develop the next generation of the VDURA Data Platform.

This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about systems software, distributed computing, AI infrastructure, and large-scale storage technologies. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced architects and senior engineers while contributing to real-world enterprise storage solutions used in demanding AI and HPC deployments.

The Software Engineer will gain hands-on experience with distributed systems development, performance optimization, automated testing, cloud technologies, and modern AI-assisted software development practices.

**Key Responsibilities:**

**Software Development**

- Develop, test, debug, and maintain software components within the VDURA Data Platform.

- Contribute to distributed storage services, management tools, datapath functionality, and automation infrastructure.

- Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code primarily in C, C++, Python, or related technologies.

- Engineering Collaboration

- Work closely with senior engineers, architects, QA, DevOps, and support teams on feature development and issue resolution.

- Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and team planning activities.

- Learn and apply best practices for scalable software development and systems engineering.

- Testing and Debugging

- Assist with debugging complex software issues across distributed systems environments.

- Contribute to automated test frameworks and continuous integration workflows.

- Support system validation, performance testing, and reliability improvements.

- Performance and Scalability

- Help analyze system performance and identify opportunities for optimization.

- Learn about modern storage and networking technologies including NVMe, RDMA, InfiniBand, and parallel file systems.

- Participate in lab testing and large-scale system validation activities.

- Innovation and Learning

- Utilize AI-based software development tools to improve productivity, learning, debugging, and software quality.

- Stay current with emerging technologies in AI infrastructure, cloud-native systems, distributed storage, and software engineering.

- Continuously expand technical knowledge through mentorship and hands-on development experience.

**Qualifications:**

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

- Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, Java, or similar languages.

- Understanding of operating systems, data structures, algorithms, and networking fundamentals.

- Familiarity with Linux or UNIX-based development environments.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Experience with Git or other version control systems.

- Interest in distributed systems, storage software, cloud computing, AI infrastructure, or systems-level programming.

- Experience using AI-based software development tools such as Claude, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, or similar technologies is desirable.

- Strong communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively within a team environment.

**Preferred Experience:**

- Internship, academic project, or open-source experience related to systems software or distributed systems.

- Exposure to Linux system administration or scripting.

- Familiarity with containers, Kubernetes, cloud platforms, or virtualization technologies.

- Experience with automated testing or CI/CD workflows.

- Interest in HPC, AI infrastructure, or large-scale storage systems.

**Location:**

This role is based in: **Niwot, CO**

This is primarily an on-site role to support close collaboration with engineering teams and access to VDURA lab environments.

**About VDURA:**

VDURA is transforming data storage and management for the AI era. Our software-defined storage platform delivers the performance, scalability, durability, and simplicity required for the world’s most demanding AI and HPC environments. Our engineering teams work on cutting-edge distributed systems challenges spanning parallel file systems, AI infrastructure, cloud technologies, and next-generation storage architectures.

Software Engineer – Entry Level

Areté, an employee-owned company, is an advanced science and engineering company that provides innovative solutions to the most challenging technical problems faced by the United States Defense and Intelligence agencies.  

Areté is derived from the Greek word “ἀρέτη”, meaning the pursuit of excellence and the achievement of maximum performance.

Areté was founded in 1976 by five scientists, tasked by the DoD to help solve the challenge of detecting weak signals in heavy clutter over very wide areas. The signatures involved in this work were so weak that any advancement in signal processing algorithms demanded a new approach and understanding of the underlying fundamentals affecting the sensors and signal phenomena in the environments of interest.

This first-principles-of-physics approach has been a hallmark of Areté’s development programs for the past 40 years

Areté now works across the electromagnetic spectrum. We develop sensors and the associated signal processing algorithms necessary for the extraction and interpretation of data for systems operating under water, in the atmosphere, and in space.

With our emphasis on enhanced signal processing and real-time executable software, Areté is able to improve the performance of existing sensor systems at fractions of the cost and time to operations of replacement systems. We work directly with customers and partners seeking maximum performance.

Building on our expertise in detection theory we will continue to exploit the contextual, spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics of data, incorporating them into our signal processing algorithms. These robust algorithms will continue to enable Areté to rapidly deliver innovative solutions to the ever evolving challenges of our customers.

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company Size: 201-500 employees

Areté

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.

Arete is in search of a dedicated and meticulous **Optical Engineer **to join our dynamic team based in Niwot, CO. This role is critical to the development, testing, and assembly of state-of-the-art lasers and optical systems. Though initial duties will align with the successful candidate's skills and experiences, career growth and continued on-the-job learning are expected. Responsibilities will encompass designing, modeling, analyzing, and testing optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components. These include sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Additionally, the position may require supporting research and development initiatives through the application of a solid understanding of physical optics, geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. This is a part-time, temporary, exempt, non-supervisory position, located in our **Niwot, CO ** office.

**Primary Responsibilities**

- Assembles, aligns, and tests lasers and optical system systems.

- Collaborate with the engineering team to build lasers without a formal procedure, following best practices and safety protocols.

- Perform alignment and calibration of optical components and laser systems.

- Assist in the development and execution of laser testing procedures and experiments

- Document procedures, results, and observations accurately and maintain organized records.

- Troubleshoot technical issues related to lasers and optical systems and propose effective solutions.\

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, researchers, and manufacturing personnel, to support product development efforts.

- Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to enhance the performance and manufacturability of laser systems.

- Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser technology and optics.

- Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict optical system performance.

- Collect and analyze experimental data to assess system performance.

- Develop laser and optical system specifications.

- Works with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design.

- Design optical fixturing and tests to support laser alignment, construction, and performance verification.

- Inspection of optical component and systems to detect fabrication faults.

- Prepare and presents technical briefings.

- Prepare electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments.

- Plan and executes field tests and demonstrations of prototype hardware electro-optical systems and components.

- Support proposal preparation for new technical work.

**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 (Required Skills)**

- BS in Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience would be considered.

- Strong knowledge of laser systems, optics, and principles of light propagation

- Hands-on experience in the assembly, alignment, and calibration of lasers and optical components.

- Familiarity with laser testing equipment and techniques, such as power meters, beam profilers, and spectrometers.

- Proficiency in using optical alignment tools and instruments.

- Solid understanding of laser safety protocols and best practices.

- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

- Excellent documentation and record-keeping abilities.

- Effective communication and teamwork skills.

- Intellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning

- Works well independently and as part of a team

- Capable of managing and prioritizing multiple simultaneous responsibilities

- Proficient in use of standard electrical and optical test equipment operation (e.g. oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, etc.).

- Independently reviews available literature to fill in knowledge gaps as needed.

**Nice To Have (Preferred Skills)**

- Lab experience with fabricating and testing optical systems

- BS + 5 years’ experience /MS or higher in one of the following areas: Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering.

- Proficient in Labview, Matlab, or Python

- Capable of developing calculations or quantitative models to support optical designs.

- Capable of developing code to process collected sensor data.

- Capable of developing and analyzing optical designs with Zemax or similar optical engineering codes

- Theoretical understanding of optical engineering and laser engineering principals

The salary range for this role is **$100,000 to $120,000; **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.

Engineer 2, Optical Systems

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