1

Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Darpa Program Manager information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$36K

$100.6K

$146.9K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Charleston, SC is $100,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $124,000.00 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 Charleston, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Darpa Program Manager jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Darpa Program Manager jobs in Charleston, SC are:

Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,563 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Innovation Acquisition Lead: Federal Health R&D / Acquisition Support / Program Administration

Intertwine Associates

Mount Pleasant, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Explore what happens when ideas Intertwine
At Intertwine Associates, we live by a simple promise: We show up ready to work. We partner with organizations across government, management, strategy, and technology to deliver operational efficiency and measurable impact. Our focus is on practical solutions, tailored frameworks, and innovation that drives meaningful results. Join a team where expertise meets execution, and where your work truly matters. Read more here: www.intertwineassociates.com
Key Role:
Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment as an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) Coordinator using your familiarity with Other Transactions (OTs) supporting the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Enable the agency to manage and provide oversight of advanced research and development efforts; help shape future R&D concepts, programs, and solutions; integrate and advance our nation's healthcare ecosystem processes, policies, and enabling technologies; and enable the agency to expand its healthcare and scientific scope into yet unknown areas. Provide direct support to R&D performer teams, Government Program Managers, and stakeholders across the health innovation ecosystem.
Assist with the development and administration of ARPA-H programs and projects across a Mission Office portfolio. Support the development of solicitations and related acquisition documentation; manage ISO proposals from receipt through disposition; track negotiations; and coordinate within the Mission Office and across ARPA-H for cost proposals and technical evaluations. Track metrics accurately and manage multiple parallel projects and tasks simultaneously on short timelines.
Collaborate effectively within a diverse team by building strong working relationships with scientists, engineers, contracting officers, IT professionals, and other advisors involved in the portfolio. Relentlessly own the end-to-end process and collaborate across teams, acting as the center point for effective progress, ensuring continuous momentum and effective data management using tools like Jira and Confluence. Communicate complex processes and concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences. Evaluate IT systems and processes, identify opportunities for optimization, and recommend functional improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Conduct independent research, analyze data, and make recommendations. Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and problem-solving exercises to drive the portfolio forward.
Strong client or customer engagement is required in this role. You will interface directly and continuously with the Government Program Manager, Mission Office leadership, contracting and acquisition personnel, performer teams, and external members of the public - and are expected to represent Intertwine Associates and the client with professionalism, responsiveness, and sound judgment at every touchpoint by owning the process, serving as the go-to for any next step required to keep the process moving. This is a remote position with approximately 10-20% CONUS travel.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required, with five or more years of professional work experience.
  • Demonstrated understanding of contracting and/or procurement, preferably in a government or research environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to track metrics effectively and to manage multiple parallel projects and tasks simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate IT systems and processes, identify opportunities for optimization, and recommend functional improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Familiarity with information management systems, including Jira and Confluence.
  • Strong client or customer engagement required, proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with government stakeholders, performer teams, and cross-functional partners, and to serve as a dependable point of contact in a high-visibility client environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, both internally and externally with members of the public.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and make recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability collaborating with cross-functional stakeholder teams.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, and to prioritize work.
  • Highly detail-oriented, organized, and proactive.
  • Strong work ethic and a passion for healthcare and scientific discovery.
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required per contract.
  • Active federal government Public Trust, or the ability to obtain one.
Additional Qualifications:
  • At least one year of experience supporting DARPA or related federal "ARPA" agencies (IARPA, ARPA-E, HSARPA).
  • Experience working with Other Transaction Agreements, grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
  • General knowledge of acquisition documentation requirements (RFI, SN, BAA, J&A), with hands-on experience working with each.
  • Experience supporting a federal or commercial health agency or organization.
  • Knowledge of the biomedical research landscape.
  • Two or more years of experience in federal healthcare and/or scientific consulting.
  • Experience supporting complex healthcare programs and programs of a research and development nature.

Intertwine Associates LLC - Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Intertwine Associates LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Employment decisions at Intertwine Associates LLC are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and strive to ensure that our workplace reflects the values of fairness, equity, and opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who report discrimination, participate in investigations, or otherwise exercise their rights under equal employment laws.
Intertwine Associates LLC is proud to support the mission of our clients, including U.S. Federal Government agencies, by providing exceptional technical talent and services. As such, certain roles may require U.S. citizenship or specific security clearances in accordance with federal contract requirements.
Compensation, Bonuses, and Other Incentives:
Intertwine Associates LLC offers a competitive compensation package. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $90,000-$220,000 per year. This range is a good-faith estimate at the time of posting and reflects the base salary the company reasonably expects to offer for this role. Actual base salary will be determined based on lawful, job-related factors, including education, experience, specialized expertise, credentials, geographic location, scope of responsibilities, internal equity, client and contract requirements, and funding availability.
This position may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, signing or retention incentives, or other variable compensation, as stated in the applicable written offer or plan documents. Any bonus or incentive is not guaranteed and is subject to applicable plan terms, individual and company performance, client or contract requirements, funding availability, and applicable law. Bonuses and other incentives are separate from base salary and may be modified or discontinued. The salary range does not include potential bonuses, other incentive compensation, or benefits. Nothing in this posting creates an employment contract or guarantees any specific salary, bonus, incentive, benefit, or term of employment.