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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Provide cross-functional leadership across Engineering, Product Management, Programs, Manufacturing ... Experience with DIU, DARPA, Service Labs, experimentation events, and rapid acquisition ...

New

Darpa Program Manager information

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$38.6K

$107.7K

$157.4K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Pennsylvania is $107,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $132,800.00 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,718 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Principal, Business Development 1

L3HHCM20

Bristol, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Principal, Business Development Army

Job Code: 43001

Job Location: Onsite or Remote, for the following locations: Bristol, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California; Clifton, New Jersey; Palm Bay, Florida and Salt Lake City, Utah 

Job Schedule: 9/80 

The Principal Technical Strategy & Business Development Lead is responsible for creating and executing growth strategies that expand the Tactical Data Links (TDL) and Telemetry & RF Systems (T&RF) portfolios through the identification of emerging operational needs, development of innovative technical solutions, and creation of acquisition and funding strategies that generate new business opportunities.

Operating at the intersection of engineering, product management, business development, and customer operations, this individual serves as a trusted technical advisor to U.S. Government and international customers while shaping the future direction of resilient tactical communications, Link 16 technologies, and advanced telemetry and RF capabilities.

This position requires a highly technical business leader capable of understanding customer missions, identifying operational capability gaps, collaborating with engineering to develop innovative solutions across both TDL and T&RF domains, and translating those solutions into funded programs and sustainable revenue. Success is measured not simply by winning existing opportunities, but by creating new opportunities that did not previously exist.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute long-range growth strategies for the Tactical Data Links (TDL) and Telemetry & RF Systems (T&RF) portfolios aligned with customer modernization priorities and future operational needs.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with key DoD, coalition, and industry stakeholders to identify requirements and influence future programs before formal acquisition begins.
  • Identify emerging mission needs, capability gaps, and adjacent markets to drive new product concepts, technology investments, and business opportunities.
  • Partner with Engineering and Product Management to define product roadmaps, influence IRAD investments, and transition customer requirements into innovative technical solutions.
  • Serve as the technical business development lead for TDL and T&RF technologies, including Link 16, MIDS, resilient communications, tactical networking, CJADC2, coalition interoperability, and software-defined radio solutions.
  • Lead technical and business assessments of new opportunities by evaluating customer value, competitive positioning, solution feasibility, integration risk, and revenue potential.
  • Develop business cases and capture strategies that transition opportunities from concept through funded programs and successful contract awards.
  • Shape acquisition and funding strategies utilizing Programs of Record, OTAs, SBIR, CRADAs, FMS, experimentation, and other government transition pathways.
  • Maintain comprehensive market, budget, competitive, and technology intelligence to identify strategic growth opportunities and inform executive decision-making.
  • Provide cross-functional leadership across Engineering, Product Management, Programs, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and Business Development to deliver executable growth strategies and achieve business objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Business, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 12 years of experience in aerospace, defense, tactical communications, networking, or mission systems. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in Business Development, Strategy, Engineering, Product Management, Capture Management, or Program Management.
  • Experience working with U.S. Department of Defense acquisition organizations.
  • Ability to traviel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Extensive knowledge of Tactical Data Links and Link 16 technologies.
  • Strong understanding of resilient communications architectures and tactical networking.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with engineers, military operators, senior government leaders, and executive management.
  • Experience developing strategic growth plans and creating new business opportunities.
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and executive briefing skills.
  • Experience supporting PMA-101 (MIDS Program Office).
  • Understanding of Joint and Coalition Tactical Data Link architectures.
  • Experience with CJADC2 initiatives and resilient communications.
  • Knowledge of Software Defined Radio architectures and waveform integration.
  • Experience with platform integration across airborne, maritime, ground, and autonomous systems.
  • Experience with DIU, DARPA, Service Labs, experimentation events, and rapid acquisition organizations.
  • Familiarity with Foreign Military Sales and international defense markets.
  • Experience developing technology transition strategies from IRAD into production programs.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $146,000 - $271,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

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