ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

All JobsDarpa Program JobsDarpa Program Manager JobsDarpa Program Manager Jobs in Hawaii

Darpa Program Manager information

See Hawaii salary details

$40K

$111.6K

$163.1K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Hawaii is $111,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,600.00 and $137,700.00 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 Hawaii? For Darpa Program Manager jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Darpa Program Manager jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa Program Manager jobs in Hawaii are:
Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, 19% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,647 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Mission Engineer | Analyst

Mission Engineer | Analyst

Grey Matters Defense Solutions

Joint Base Pearl Habor Hickam, HI • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Grey Matters Defense Solutions specializes in software development and solutions, specialized data analytics algorithms, and innovative remote sensing technologies and operations, with senior-level personnel formerly from DIA, NRO, DARPA, and the US Armed Forces. Grey Matters Defense Solutions differentiates itself by combining its subject matter experts, analysts, software engineers, and its data scientists to create unique artificial intelligence algorithms and various applications.
Grey Matters Defense Solutions is seeking a talented and dedicated, Mission Engineer
About the job:
  • Grey Matters Defense Solutions is looking for experienced multi-INT analysts/developers to join our Sensor to Shooter Mission Engineering team to help solve mission-focused operational problems.
  • Stationed at customer locations, the Mission Engineering team provides support for local operational needs while also helping integrate with Intel Community and DoD tools, services, and data.

Key Responsibilities:
  • The Mission Engineering team is responsible for creating and integrating capabilities into Sensor to Shooter workflows, capturing customer needs, and providing onsite expertise through development of scripts, models, automations, and other creative techniques to overcome mission-limiting capability gaps.
  • Ideal additions to this team will be broadly experienced across data types and intelligence disciplines and are highly motivated problem-solvers.
  • New Mission Engineers must have exceptional communication skills and function effectively within a team as well as independently. Dedication to the mission and an ability to generate creative solutions to hard mission problems is a must.
  • Willingness to travel in support of exercises, surge support, etc. as needed to support Customer requirements.

About you:
  • An active Top Secret security clearance
  • 8+ years of IC/DoD analyst experience
  • 5+ years of mission capability experience
  • 5+ years of experience with common DoD analysis and visualization applications
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with peers, leadership, and customers
  • Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving skills
  • High level of self-initiative and self-motivation with the ability to work under minimal supervision
  • Ability to work effectively in small team settings to solve complex problems
  • Demonstrated ability to bring new or innovative solutions to problems

Preferred Skills:
  • Coding experience in a modern software language such as Python, R, or JAVA
  • Broad community knowledge of sensors and disciplines and the ability to leverage and communicate this intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance experience to teammates and customers
  • Experience in processing and visualizing data and an understanding of the processes and procedures necessary to request, coordinate, and task collection
  • Knowledge of customer tasking, collection, and processing tools to perform limited analytics and development
  • Understanding of Agile development practices and procedures with the ability to act as a product owner for established needs

Salary Range: $100,000 - $160,000
Grey Matters Defense Solutions offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
Additional Benefits:
  • SEP IRA 25% of base salary
  • PTO Six weeks
  • IBA 12.5%
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Referral program

Grey Matters Defense Solutions' most valuable assets are the more than 60+ employees, consisting of data scientists, custom software developers, and analysts/subject matter experts, with senior-level personnel formerly from DIA, NRO, NSA and the US Armed Forces. Our employees have a depth of analytical knowledge which provides them with deep understanding of managing and delivering products within government systems. Grey Matters Defense Solutions provides transformational leadership building aware-winning teams and products.
Join our team of exceptional developers, architects and data scientists!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Apply