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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

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

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

Ensure program execution excellence with attention to schedule, risk management, cost performance ... Experience engaging with DoD S&T organizations such as AFRL, DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. * Ability to ...

... 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 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 ... 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 ...

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 ...

... • 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 ...

... 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Darpa Program Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$41.8K

$116.7K

$170.6K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Boston, MA is $116,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $143,900.00 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 Boston, MA?

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

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,745 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

STR

Woburn, MA

$174K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and integrate code for hardware systems, collaborating with subject matter experts and leveraging advanced algorithms.

  • Work with test leads to utilize modeling, simulation, and live test infrastructure for system testing.

  • Lead small teams to implement and test real-time applications using open architecture software principles in Modern C++.


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. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real-time embedded processor implementation.

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze system capabilities, develop enabling algorithms, and take these integrated systems through test. We focus on the capabilities and limitations of ground, air, surface, and space sensing and counter-sensing platforms and the resource management of these assets to assure the mission success of US air and space assets. SAAM also leverages the emerging use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in uncrewed systems and techniques to collect, fuse, and understand sensor data across full systems of systems to assure mission success. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto both prototype demonstration systems & operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.

The Role:

As an Autonomy Software Engineer in the SAAM group, you will work as a part of high-performing teams focused on autonomy development and mission systems integration within demanding customer environments. You will ensure that these teams are executing at a high level to develop robust, fielded solutions that also lay the groundwork for future programs to build on.

What you will do:

  • System Development: leverage mature hardware systems and develop code to integrate them together, collaborating with SMEs across STR to leverage advanced algorithms where needed
  • System Test: work closely with test leads in the SAAM group to leverage testing capabilities across M&S and live test, leveraging Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) infrastructure
  • Leadership: lead small, focused teams to implement and test real-time applications featuring open architecture software principles, implementing real-time systems in Modern C++ from verified algorithms written in higher-level languages such as MATLAB
  • Customer engagement: support potential and current customer discussions to better understand their requirements and shape product development

Who you are:

  • Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ development, including multi-threaded applications
  • Experience with test-driven development and CI/CD practices
  • Familiarity with cross-platform development (Windows, Linux, iOS) and version control workflows
  • Experience with hardware/software integration
  • Minimum of 2 years relevant experience with PhD, 5 years with MS, or 7 years with BS
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government

Even Better:

  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
  • 5+ years of C++ programming experience with open architecture systems
  • Experience with safety-critical software architectures
  • Experience with real-time software development and algorithm optimization
  • Familiarity with network protocols and debugging
  • Familiarity with relevant open standards such as OMS/UCI and A-GRA
  • Experience with software quality tools (static/dynamic analysis, automated testing frameworks)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $174,000 - $225,000

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.