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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FieldAI

Project Manager - Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Track program performance metrics to monitor statuses, escalate risks proactively, and report on ... DARPA * Experience managing projects related to rugged ground autonomy This position is for our ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 is a DARPA Program Manager?

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Senior Acquisition Management Support Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 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.
#MC
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 Senior Acquisition Management Support Analyst to support a Navy client.
Responsibilities
The Senior Acquisition Management Support Analyst is concerned with Acquisition Management provides daily program, analytical, and acquisition management support to senior level executives. Acquisition Management provides detail oriented management of records, business research analysis, and valuation strategies. They may also be involved in various administrative tasks. Acquisition Management should have strong computer, finance, and analytical skills. They will often work with or lead teams.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in performing the following tasks:
  • Provide daily program, analytical, and acquisition management support to senior-level executives
  • Manage records, conduct business research analysis, and develop valuation strategies to support program objectives
  • Perform various administrative tasks as required
  • Apply strong computer, finance, and analytical skills to acquisition proces
  • Lead or participate in teams to deliver acquisition management solutions
  • Support DoD acquisition organizations across ACAT I/II, ACAT III/IV, AAPs, Projects, and Adaptive Acquisition Framework Pathways
  • Ensure compliance with DoD and Navy acquisition policies and procedures

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. CA Pay Transparency Salary Range: $130K - $165K.
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 7 - 15 years of acquisition management support experience
  • Proficiency in DoW acquisition laws, policies, regulations and legislation
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Top Secret/SCI Clearance, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired
  • Program management experience with the Navy or comparable DoW Acquisition Agencies

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 $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $165,000.00/Yr.

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