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Darpa Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Program Manager - BTO

Arlington, VA · On-site

Everforth ECS is seeking a Program Manager - DARPA BTO SETA Support to work onsite in our Arlington, VA office. Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award. ECS is pursuing a ...

ECS

Functional Expert II

Arlington, VA · On-site

The successful candidate will support a DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program-funded test ...

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Darpa Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Darpa Program Manager vs DARPA Contract Officer?

AspectDarpa Program ManagerDARPA Contract Officer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science, engineering, or related fields; experience in project managementBachelor's or master's degree in business, finance, or related fields; contracting experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, project teams, innovation-focused settingsGovernment procurement offices, contract management divisions
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Defense, research and development sectorU.S. Department of Defense, procurement and contracting sector

While both roles operate within DARPA and the defense industry, Darpa Program Managers focus on overseeing innovative research projects, whereas DARPA Contract Officers handle procurement and contract administration. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates target their skills and career goals effectively.

What are DARPA Program Managers?

DARPA Program Managers are specialized professionals who oversee and guide cutting-edge research and development projects funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). They are responsible for conceptualizing new programs, managing project execution, coordinating with researchers and industry partners, and ensuring that projects meet ambitious technical goals. Program Managers typically have strong scientific or engineering backgrounds and are selected for their vision, expertise, and ability to drive innovation. Their work is critical to developing breakthrough technologies that enhance national security and defense capabilities.

How much do DARPA program managers make?

DARPA program managers typically earn between $150,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. They often hold advanced degrees and have expertise in science, engineering, or technology, with additional benefits such as government health insurance and retirement plans.

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

To thrive as a DARPA Program Manager, you need an advanced degree in a STEM field, extensive research experience, and a proven track record in technology innovation or project leadership. Familiarity with government contracting, proposal review systems, and technical evaluation tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding high-risk, high-reward research projects that advance national security and technological innovation.

What are some unique challenges faced by DARPA Program Managers when overseeing innovative research projects?

DARPA Program Managers often face the challenge of managing high-risk, high-reward research initiatives that may not have clear precedents or guaranteed outcomes. They must coordinate multidisciplinary teams, balance ambitious timelines, and navigate strict government compliance requirements. Additionally, PMs need to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government while ensuring projects remain aligned with DARPA's mission to drive transformative breakthroughs. This requires agility, resilience, and strong communication skills to adapt to changing priorities and technical uncertainties.

Is it hard to get a job at DARPA?

Securing a position as a DARPA program manager is highly competitive due to the organization's focus on advanced research and innovation. Candidates typically need extensive experience in science, engineering, or technology, along with a strong track record of project management and security clearances. The hiring process involves rigorous evaluation, interviews, and background checks.

What does a DARPA program manager do?

A DARPA program manager oversees the development and execution of advanced research projects in emerging technologies. They manage project teams, allocate funding, set technical goals, and coordinate with government agencies and industry partners to ensure innovative solutions meet strategic objectives.

What is the average salary for DARPA?

DARPA program managers are federal employees, and their salaries typically range from approximately $130,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience and seniority. These roles often require advanced technical expertise, security clearances, and project management skills. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 66% As Needed, 7% Full Time, 24% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 89% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Program Manager - BTO

Program Manager - BTO

ECS

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Program Manager - DARPA BTO SETA Support to work onsite in our Arlington, VA office. Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
ECS is pursuing a contract to provide Science, Engineering, and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO). BTO is a unique technical office that leverages the power of biology as a technology to develop revolutionary capabilities for the Department of Defense. BTO's mission focuses on ensuring U.S. technological dominance by pioneering breakthroughs in areas such as human performance, infectious disease defense, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, and resilient biological systems.
The Program Manager (PM) will provide overall leadership and operational management for ECS's SETA support team. The PM will serve as the primary point of contact to BTO's Assistant Director for Program Management (ADPM); Contracting Officer's Representative (COR); and Contracting Officer (CO); and will oversee contract execution, staffing, and performance management. The PM will lead recruiting and staffing of specialized SETA personnel, ensure high-quality support to DARPA Program Managers, and address personnel or performance issues as they arise. The ideal candidate will understand DARPA's technical office environment and be comfortable overseeing multidisciplinary technical teams supporting complex research programs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary interface with the Government ADPM, COR, and CO for all contract management matters.
  • Manage and oversee contractor personnel, including performance management, issue resolution, and team coordination.
  • Lead recruiting, hiring, and staffing efforts to ensure SETA positions are filled with highly qualified technical personnel.
  • Maintain staffing continuity and proactively address personnel performance or availability issues.
  • Ensure contractor staff deliver high-quality advisory support to DARPA Program Managers and maintain alignment with BTO priorities.
  • Oversee overall contract operations, reporting, and workforce planning in a fast-paced DARPA R&D environment.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Prior experience managing a SETA contract supporting a DARPA Technical Office within the past five (5) years.
  • Experience serving as a Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager on a federal contract.
  • Demonstrated experience recruiting, staffing, and managing specialized technical personnel.
  • Strong understanding of the DARPA technical office environment and program management structure.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to serve as the primary interface with Government stakeholders.

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