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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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Darpa Program Manager information

See Rhode Island salary details

$37.7K

$105.2K

$153.8K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Rhode Island is $105,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $129,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Darpa Program Manager jobs in Rhode Island look for?

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:

Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,237 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

UUV/AUV Technical Subject Matter Expert

Ventus Solutions

Newport, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Ventus Executive Solutions is a dynamic small business at the forefront of innovation and consulting. We believe our employees' success is integral to our mission, which is why we prioritize work-life balance, personal development, andfosteringa sense of belonging. In addition to providing opportunities to thrive, we offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to attract andretaintop talent ready to make a meaningful impact.As part of the VentusSolutionsteam,you'llcollaborate with government and industry leaders to develop constructive architecture models that inform decision-making at the highest levels of the Department of Defense.As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) we value curiosity, collaboration, and excellence, andwe'recommitted to supporting your professional growth through mentorship, career development, and a culture of continuous learning. Join a team where your ideas matter, yourexpertisedrives impact, and your work advances the mission.

Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled UUV/AUV Technical Subject Matter Expert. You will serve as a trusted technical advisor, leveraging your operational and technical experience with unmanned undersea systems to support UUV/AUV development, integration, experimentation, and operational employment. You will collaborate with Navy and DoD stakeholders to assess emerging technologies, develop concepts and requirements, and help advance innovative unmanned undersea capabilities. Join our team and contribute your expertise to critical undersea warfare and national security initiatives.

Work Location:On-site Newport, RI

Travel:10% Travel

Clearance:TS Clearance required, SCI eligible preferred.

Required Experience:

  • Bachelor'sDegree in engineering, oceanography, computer science or related technical field
  • 10+ years of experience in undersea warfare, undersea systems, or unmanned undersea systems, with significant direct technical, operational, engineering or programmatic experience with UUVs/AUVs.
  • Demonstrated hands-on or operational understanding of UUV/AUV capabilities,employment concepts, mission applications, technical limitations, integration challenges,and emerging technologies.
  • Experience supporting the development, testing, evaluation, integration, or operational employment of UUV/AUV systems in Navy or DoD environments.
  • Strong understanding of Navy undersea warfare operations, UUV/AUV Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) development, requirements development, systems integration, and acquisition processes.
  • Ability to translate operational needs and mission requirements into technical recommendations, system requirements, CONOPS, and programmatic objectives.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Navy, DoD, industry, and technical stakeholders and communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Excellentwritten andverbalcommunication skills; high emotional intelligence
  • Highly proficientwith Microsoft365or equivalentproductsincludingExcel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook,and Teams

Desired Experience:

  • Former O-4/O-5 U.S. Navy Submariner with operational experience supporting a UUV Squadron (UUVRON) or other unmanned undersea warfare organization.
  • Direct experience with UUV/AUV systems at NAVSEA, NUWC, ONR, DARPA, or other Navy/DoD organizations supporting unmanned undersea systems.
  • Experience with UUV/AUV experimentation, prototyping, test and evaluation, fleet integration, or transition of emerging unmanned undersea technologies into operational use.
  • Experience developing or executing UUV/AUV CONOPS, experimentation plans, operational assessments, or mission-level concepts.
  • Strong understanding and demonstrated experience with the Navy's Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process.
  • Experience with Navy requirements, acquisition, resourcing, and program management processes related to unmanned systems.
  • Master's degree in engineering, oceanography, computer science, or a related technical field.
Employment Type: Full-Time

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