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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Darpa Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$110.7K

$161.7K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Chicago, IL is $110,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $136,500.00 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.
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Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Sr. Technical Project Manager - Cloud Security & Compliance Programs

Sr. Technical Project Manager - Cloud Security & Compliance Programs

TalentFish

Evanston, IL

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Sr. Technical Project Manager - Cloud Security & Compliance Programs
Primary Location: Hybrid Evanston, IL - 2 Days Onsite
Position Type: Contract- 6 months with extension potential
Overview
TalentFish is casting a line for a Sr TPM- Cloud Security & Compliance Programs with our premier client. This is a Contract role supporting enterprise security and cloud initiatives in a highly regulated environment.
This position exists to lead a portfolio of strategic security programs, including a high-profile Azure CMMC Level 2 enclave implementation with AWS integrations designed to support communication and collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), DARPA, and other government agencies. The successful candidate will bring strong technical project leadership experience, cloud expertise, and a proven ability to navigate complex compliance and security-driven initiatives.
What You Bring to the Role. (Ideal Experience)
  • 8+ years of Technical Project Management experience leading large-scale infrastructure, cloud, security, and enterprise technology initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience managing projects within highly regulated, compliance-driven, or government-focused environments.
  • Strong understanding of one or more of the following frameworks and compliance standards:
    • FedRAMP
    • FISMA
    • NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5
    • NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2
    • CMMC Level 2
  • Experience supporting cloud security, governance, compliance, or accreditation initiatives involving Azure and/or AWS environments.
  • Proven success partnering with cybersecurity, infrastructure, engineering, identity, and operations teams to deliver complex technical programs.
  • Experience managing enterprise security initiatives such as Identity & Access Management (IAM), Privileged Access Management (PAM), SailPoint, Microsoft Purview, M365 security, or related technologies.
  • Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project delivery methodologies.
  • Experience managing vendors, systems integrators, statements of work, budgets, and project financials.
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe, or equivalent certification preferred.
What You'll Do. (Skills Used in this Position)
  • Lead a high-visibility Azure CMMC Level 2 enclave implementation and integration program supporting future communications with DoD, DARPA, and other government entities.
  • Own end-to-end delivery of enterprise security, infrastructure, cloud, and compliance initiatives from planning through execution and stabilization.
  • Drive multiple concurrent security programs including Privileged Access Management, SailPoint integrations, SailPoint Identity Lifecycle Management, SailPoint AI Identity initiatives, Microsoft Purview Data Classification adoption, and related projects.
  • Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets, dependencies, risks, resource plans, and executive reporting.
  • Coordinate across cybersecurity, cloud engineering, infrastructure, operations, vendors, and business stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.
  • Facilitate governance, risk management, issue resolution, and compliance readiness activities across project portfolios.
  • Apply Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies to ensure predictable project execution and delivery outcomes.
  • Partner with leadership to define priorities, measure success, and communicate project status, risks, and key decisions.
  • Manage vendor-led engagements, ensuring accountability for deliverables, milestones, and contractual commitments.
  • Drive continuous improvement of project governance, delivery practices, and operational maturity across the security organization.

Compensation Information
The expected salary range for this position is $55 - $75 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. This role also qualifies for comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. TalentFish is committed to pay transparency and equal opportunity. The salary range provided is in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
This role requires authorization to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.
All offers are contingent upon the completion of a background check, which may include but is not limited to reference checks, education verification, employment verification, drug testing, criminal records checks, and any required certifications or compliance requirements based on the end client's background check policies and applicable laws.
TalentFish is an employee-owned company pioneering a new realm in talent acquisition. We are redefining IT staffing by evolving AI, video screening, and our unique platform. TalentFish focuses on providing the best employee, consultant, and client experience possible.
At TalentFish we are an Equal Opportunity Employer; we embrace and encourage diversity!

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