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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

... management of these assets in the service of the survivability and capability of US air and space ... Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: The SAAM ...

... DoD, DARPA, and other key U.S. Government agencies. Engage with existing and new sponsor ... Oversee the development of major program proposals, white papers, and statements of work, managing ...

... management of these assets in the service of the survivability and capability of US air and space ... Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: The SAAM ...

... DARPA, and other key U.S. Government agencies. • Engage with existing and new sponsor ... major program proposals, white papers, and statements of work, managing high-level staffing and ...

... • Ensure program execution excellence with attention to schedule, risk management, cost ... DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. • Ability to develop technology roadmaps and long-term investment ...

... DARPA, and other key U.S. Government agencies. • Engage with existing and new sponsor ... major program proposals, white papers, and statements of work, managing high-level staffing and ...

With clients including NASA, DARPA, AWS, and the DoW, we leverage our cutting-edge research to ... Program Leadership: Proven success securing external research grants or contracts, and managing ...

... management of these assets in the service of the survivability and capability of US air and space ... Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: The SAAM ...

... management of these assets to assure the mission success of US air and space assets. SAAM also ... Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: As an ...

With clients including NASA, DARPA, AWS, and the DoW, we leverage our cutting-edge research to ... Must be highly motivated and able to self-manage deadlines and quality goals. * Preference will be ...

With clients including NASA, DARPA, AWS, and the DoW, we leverage our cutting-edge research to ... Must be highly motivated and able to self-manage deadlines and quality goals. * Preference will be ...

... management of these assets to assure the mission success of US air and space assets. SAAM also ... Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: As an ...

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Darpa Program Manager information

See Massachusetts salary details

$42K

$117.4K

$171.5K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Massachusetts is $117,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $144,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Darpa Program Manager jobs in Massachusetts?

For Darpa Program Manager jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Darpa Program Manager jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Darpa Program Manager jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,360 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Principal Defense Systems Analyst

STR

Woburn, MA • On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About the Team 

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security.  At STR, Defense Systems Analysts study complex defense technologies and systems by building representative, physics-based models; analyzing data; developing metrics of performance; and evaluating these models against mission requirements.  In addition, the analyst will often integrate the algorithms and control systems that are critical to operations of modern defense systems. 

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation to create and analyze system architectures and designs and their mission impact. We focus on the capability and limitations of ground, air, and space sensing and counter-sensing platforms (both crewed and uncrewed) and the resource management of these assets in the service of the survivability and capability of US air and space assets (e.g., the F-35 Joint Simulation Environment) using the methods of operational and systems analysis. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto prototype demonstration systems as well as operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.

The Role: 

The SAAM Group is seeking a Principal Defense Systems Analyst to research, design, develop and implement a portfolio of capabilities to characterize the impact of advanced concepts and algorithms on the performance and survivability of operational systems in a variety of scenarios.  You will lead and advise fellow researchers, scientists, and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses to understand customer objectives, craft strategic plans, lead proposal efforts, and develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems.  Your areas of specific focus will include innovating and developing advanced modeling & simulation and systems engineering capabilities.

A successful candidate will have significant expertise and skill in several of the following areas: systems engineering, radar systems, modeling & simulation, test & evaluation, hardware design, software architecture, resource management, signal processing, and/or communications.  This position requires skills in leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex system design, development, and test programs, developing technology roadmaps and marketing strategies, as well as deep technical proficiency in relevant technologies.  Strong interpersonal, communication, technical, management, mentorship, and peer-leadership skills are also required.

Interviews for this role will require an in-person or virtual presentation. 

What you will do: 

  • Lead multi-disciplinary and multi-site teams to develop system studies and new capabilities
  • Develop and implement sensor, platform, and threat models within simulation environments and in support of software and hardware prototypes
  • Utilize and enhance simulation tools, incorporating real-world data, to conduct in-depth studies of system performance and effectiveness
  • Design, develop, validate, and manage large-scale simulations, with a focus on sensing and counter-sensing technologies
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on the capabilities of current and future US and threat weapon systems, sensors, and platforms
  • Synthesize complex data into actionable insights, providing strategic assessments and evaluations to inform defense planning and decision-making
  • Prepare and deliver comprehensive technical reports and presentations to government customers, articulating the implications of simulation findings on national security

Who you are: 

  • Active Security Clearance at the Top Secret (TS) level, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S government
  • BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
  • 8-10+ years of practical experience in modeling & simulation, sensing modalities (e.g., RF and EO/IR), and systems engineering, including digital engineering
  • In-depth knowledge of remote sensing & counter-sensing technologies including airborne/surface-based radar and electronic warfare, and EO/IR sensing systems
  • Expertise in one or more scientific programming languages, such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB
  • Experience with AFSIM, the Joint Simulation Environment/NGTS, or similar large-scale simulation environments
  • Proven ability to develop modeling and simulation tools and lead teams
  • Expertise in platform dynamics, including aerodynamics and orbital dynamics
  • Exceptional technical writing and communication skills, with experience in delivering high-stakes presentations to government and military stakeholders

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $220,000 - $260,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.