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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

SPA

Program Manager with Security Clearance

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

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All JobsDarpa Program JobsDarpa Program Manager JobsDarpa Program Manager Jobs in California

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 Jul 19, 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program Manager jobs in California? For Darpa Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% As Needed, 21% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 19% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.
Program Manager

Program Manager

Systems Planning and Analysis

San Diego, CA • On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
SPA's Sea Land Air (SLA) Division supports a diverse portfolio of national security government clients, including the Undersea Enterprise, the Navy Surface Community, the Navy MPTE Enterprise, the Air Force, Army, DoD Agencies, DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary objective is to provide timely, objective and analytic assessments that integrate the policy, operational, technical, programmatic and acquisition aspects of our clients' challenges. Leveraging both in-domain and cross-domain expertise to maximize our clients' success, SLA Division acts as trusted agents to senior decision-makers and key leaders and excels at providing data driven analytic insights, systems engineering, strategies and plans that address current and emerging challenges to national security.
SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC
Responsibilities
The Program Manager is concerned with the overall planning, direction and success of major programs, systems development efforts, and research or technology initiatives which have great significance to the activity's and agency's needs. Programs are typically large, multi-year efforts divided into several sub-programs/tasks. The Program Manager is also responsible for the overall program definition, organization, and direction of short and long range plans. This includes the responsibility for formulating, guiding, and directing the technical approach; and defining and negotiation with activity and agency personnel for necessary resources. Establishment and control of technical milestones, schedules, budgets and costs are also essential tasks for the Program Manager.
The ideal Program Manager will possess experience in performing the following tasks:
- Program Management / administration of the contract/task order
- Supervision of all contractors on the contract/task order
- Knowledge and experience working with large DoD contracts
- Knowledge and experience working with ACAT I and ACAT II programs
- Expertise in areas of Program Management, cost control, scheduling, business relations and reporting
- Knowledgeable and experienced with DoD 5000.01, DoD 5000.02, DoD Issuances governing acquisition programs in the DoD Components, and other program management policies addressed in DoD 5000 series
Qualifications
Required
  • 15 years of professional experience in program/project management
  • Bachelor's Degree in any Technical or Managerial discipline
  • Top Secret/SCI Clearance
  • DAWIA Advanced certification in Program Management or similiar (e.g. PMP or DAWIA III)
  • Program management experience with the Navy or comparable Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition agencies
  • Three (3) years of this experience in direct support of a Navy or DoD Acquisition Agency
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Desired
  • Former Major Navy Program Manager
  • Significant analysis experience
  • Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. California, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $190,000.00/Yr. - USD $230,000.00/Yr.

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