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Contract Darpa Seta Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Science Advisor

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$157K - $157K/yr

This position is contingent upon contract award. Everforth ECS Federal is seeking a Senior Science ... a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor is highly desirable. * Extensive published ...

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Contract Darpa Seta information

What is the difference between Contract Darpa Seta vs Contract Darpa Data Analyst?

AspectContract Darpa SetaContract Darpa Data Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical certificationsData analysis certifications, security clearance
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense projectsData centers, research teams
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, government agenciesDefense contractors, government agencies

Contract Darpa Seta professionals focus on system engineering and technical development, often requiring specialized certifications and security clearances. Contract Darpa Data Analysts primarily handle data interpretation and analysis, also needing security clearances but with a focus on data tools. Both roles operate within defense and research environments but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract DARPA SETA professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Contract DARPA SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) professionals often navigate complex project requirements and rapidly evolving technologies while supporting government research initiatives. A common challenge is balancing client expectations with program constraints, such as tight deadlines, changing priorities, and compliance with federal regulations. Effective communication, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for overcoming these hurdles. Building strong relationships with both DARPA program managers and contractor teams can also help ensure successful project outcomes.

What are Contract DARPA SETA positions?

Contract DARPA SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) positions are roles in which specialized technical experts support DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) programs as independent contractors. SETA contractors provide objective technical and programmatic advice, assist in project management, and help ensure successful execution of research and development initiatives. They are not government employees but work closely with DARPA personnel, maintaining impartiality and confidentiality. These roles require a strong technical background, security clearance, and experience in defense or advanced technology sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract DARPA SETA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract DARPA SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance), you need a strong background in engineering or science, experience with defense acquisition processes, and often a relevant security clearance. Familiarity with technical tools for project management, requirements analysis, and systems engineering (such as DOORS, MS Project, or MATLAB) and certifications like PMP or INCOSE CSEP are common. Outstanding analytical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability are critical soft skills for collaborating with government stakeholders and contractors. These skills ensure the effective support of DARPA's complex technical programs and the successful execution of innovative defense projects.
What cities are hiring for Contract Darpa Seta jobs? Cities with the most Contract Darpa Seta job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Darpa Seta jobs? The most popular types of Darpa Seta jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Darpa Seta jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Darpa Seta jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Darpa Seta job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 27% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Functional Expert

Amentum

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

*** Please note, position is contingent upon award ***
Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.
The mission of DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) to ensure the U.S.'s continued technological dominance, both militarily and economically. To do this, MTO pushes today's boundaries in foundational science, going beyond incremental improvements to existing technologies and seeking fundamental scientific breakthroughs that can create new capabilities and reshape entire industries. MTO has three major focus areas that address distinct challenges but also build upon and reinforce one another: Circuit Development to Enable Next-generation Microsystems (photonic circuits, quantum circuits, and organic circuits), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual-use by Design. Additional information on MTO is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/mto
*** Please note, position is contingent upon award ***
Amentum is seeking a program management functional expert to support the development and execution of programs and strategy in MTO. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required. Annual salary ranges between $150-$200K depending on qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities May Include:
  • Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs
  • Providing management and strategy support and insight to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and government
  • Planning, directing, and coordinating all task order personnel while maintaining fiscal integrity and operational efficiency
  • Supporting one of the following MTO functional / focus areas:
    • Hardware systems
    • Materials and processing engineering
    • Radio frequency
    • Engineering and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)
  • Providing program management and acquisition support
  • Providing overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings
  • Author program briefings and reports

Minimum Requirements:
  • Masters degree
  • At least 12 years of relevant experience
  • Active Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Candidate is a program management professional conversant in regulatory compliance with demonstrated leadership in complex R&D environments
  • Demonstrated experience managing large-scale defense R&D contracts with ability to oversee multiple technical teams and stakeholder relationships
  • Demonstrated expertise in conceiving and conducting oversight of complex research programs requiring unconventional approaches
  • Demonstrated independent decision-making capability on complex R&D engineering problems across multiple technical disciplines
  • The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Highly Desired Attributes:
  • Active Top Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain SCI access. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Experience working with DoD stakeholders, combatant commands, and defense industry partners
  • Seven (7) years of experience with DARPA programs
  • Five (5) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers

Compensation Details:
$150K-$200K
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
04/22/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.