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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motorola

Partner Marketing Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications ... marketing programs that elevate the Silvus brand, amplify partner capabilities, and grow market ...

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Darpa Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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What job categories do people searching Darpa Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:
Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.
Technical Program Manager- EO/IR Sensor Payloads

Technical Program Manager- EO/IR Sensor Payloads

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

$137K - $177.30K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 425 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next career challenge?
Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
The Emerging Space Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a Technical Program Manager to work in our San Diego, CA office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to advance Advanced Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Technologies. In this mission, we lead the research, development, and prototyping of next-generation optical sensing capabilities-including multi-spectral imaging, persistent surveillance, and laser systems-designed to provide a tactical advantage to Department of Defense (DoD) operators in contested environments. This role is central to our partnership with high-consequence R&D customers, specifically DARPA and AFRL, and requires a leader with a strong technical foundation capable of balancing complex engineering demands with internal corporate performance objectives while driving technologies toward mission-ready production.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead the full lifecycle execution of complex R&D programs focused on EO/IR sensor payloads, from initial concept and optical design through sensor-to-platform integration and field testing.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with the Government and Prime-Customers, to ensure milestones, budgets, and schedules are met.
  • Execute program management using Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, including managing the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), tracking CPI/SPI, and conducting Variance Analysis.
  • Report program performance to internal Leidos leadership, including regular PMRs, financial forecasting (EACs), and resource allocation.
  • Drive the proposal process for new R&D efforts, including leading technical and cost volume development for DARPA & AFRL solicitations.
  • Execute proposals and programs following Leidos' internal processes and procedures.
  • Work with other disciplines, eg Contracts, Subcontracts, Finance, Engineering Management, to ensure the successful execution of proposals and programs.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with 12+ years of prior relevant experience, or a Master's Degree with 10+ years of prior relevant experience.
  • Must have direct experience applying Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology on DoD contracts, including formal reporting and reviews.
  • Proven track record of managing DoD R&D programs, specifically with a focus on DARPA or AFRL contract vehicles.
  • Demonstrated experience reporting program health and financial metrics to internal senior management within a matrixed corporate environment.
  • Direct management experience in the development, integration, or testing of EO/IR hardware (e.g., EO sensors, hyperspectral imagers, or laser systems).
  • Strong understanding of the DoD Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) scales.
  • Must have an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading >$10M / year in customer-funded programs as the Program Manager.
  • Prior experience as a Lead Engineer or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in sensor systems before transitioning into Program Management.
  • Active PMP certification.
  • Specific experience navigating the transition of a DARPA or AFRL prototype into a formal Program of Record (PoR).
  • Experience managing classified programs involving Special Access Programs (SAP).

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
April 30, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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