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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Darpa Program Manager information

See Oklahoma salary details

$35.5K

$99.2K

$145K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Oklahoma is $99,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,400.00 and $122,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a DARPA program manager make?

A DARPA program manager typically earns 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 associated with government employment.

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.

How much does DARPA pay?

DARPA program managers typically earn between $150,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Salaries are aligned with federal government pay scales for senior research and program management roles, often requiring security clearances and specialized expertise.

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 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, requiring extensive experience in research, engineering, or science, along with a strong track record of innovation. Candidates often need advanced degrees, security clearances, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects. The hiring process involves rigorous evaluation and interviews, reflecting the agency's focus on high-level expertise and mission alignment.

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 are achieved within specified timelines.
What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program Manager jobs in Oklahoma? For Darpa Program Manager jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Darpa Program Manager jobs in Oklahoma look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa Program Manager jobs in Oklahoma are:
Director of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Professor)

Director of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Professor)

University of Oklahoma

Norman, OK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Oklahoma rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The University of Oklahoma (OU) and its Gallogly College of Engineering invite applications for the position of Director of the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). OU seeks a visionary leader who will provide comprehensive oversight of ECE's academic, research, and public engagement enterprises and play a critical role in advancing ECE's mission, vision, and commitments.
The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest programs in the Gallogly College of Engineering offering ABET-accredited B.S. degrees in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering, accelerated BS/MS degrees, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. programs. As of Fall 2025, ECE includes 35 faculty, 143 graduate students, and 570 undergraduate majors. ECE is a key contributor to the educational mission of the University of Oklahoma. The ECE student body is active in numerous competition teams, student organizations, and research. ECE faculty have earned prestigious funding which includes research awards from NSF, NIH, DARPA, DOE, NOAA, etc. In 2025, research expenditures in ECE totaled $19.9 million; thus, ranking it as one of the most productive units on campus. Both ECE and the Gallogly College of Engineering are experiencing strong growth in research, corporate and private donations, and student enrollment.
Candidates will possess the following required qualifications: A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (EE), Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), or a closely related field including, but not limited to, engineering, physics, material science or computer science; a distinguished record of scholarly achievement consistent with appointment as a tenured Full Professor at an R1 institution; deep commitment to academic excellence through promoting student success, cutting-edge research, and international impact; and an ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, senior university administrators, alumni, philanthropic donors, federal and industry partners.
Qualifications
Desired qualifications include the following: Demonstrates strong, proactive leadership and advocacy skills with the ability to represent ECE effectively at the college and university levels; articulates and executes a clear, forward-looking vision for growing the department, improving rankings, and strengthening faculty research; administrative experience with proven ability to manage budgets, facilities, personnel, and programs with transparency; ability to create a tactical roadmap of hiring goals, research goals, instructional goals, and service goals for ECE with a 5-year horizon, in consort with ECE faculty and OU's senior administration, especially in the context of OU's Lead-On Strategic plan; experience with or supervision of online educational content preparation; awareness and appreciation of innovative teaching methods and educational technology; a demonstrated ability to attract and retain strong faculty, students, and staff; a demonstrated commitment to shared governance and ability to build strong positive relationships with multiple constituencies; effective communication skills: demonstrated ability to communicate research and teaching concepts clearly and effectively to varied audiences; ability to understand and foster secure research; and experience building and sustaining industry partnerships, government collaborations, and other external relationships.
Application Instructions
To view the position profile, including additional information on the positions and qualifications, please visit:
https://dsgco.com/search/22941-university-of-oklahoma-director-of-electrical-and-computer-engineering.
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit your curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter electronically and in confidence, at the following link:
https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22941
Confidential nominations or referrals should be directed to:
OUDirectorECE@dsgco.com.
This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Oklahoma. The director will be hired at the rank of professor. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.

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About University of Oklahoma

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The University of Oklahoma is a prominent educational institution positioned in Norman, Oklahoma, US. Established in 1890, the university stakes a claim within the higher education industry and has a storied history of excellence in academics and research. Serving over 20,000 students, the university offers a wide range of programs across fields such as arts and sciences, business, engineering, international studies, and more. Emphasizing a dedication to unlocking potential, OU's mission is to provide the best possible educational experience to students through excellence in teaching, research, and creative activity. Notably, the institution has made significant strides in research with a focus on areas such as cancer, aerospace, and energy among others.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Norman, OK, US

Year founded

1890