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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

Provide technical project leadership, including planning, execution, risk management, and milestone ... Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA ...

Provide technical project leadership, including planning, execution, risk management, and milestone ... Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA ...

Cigital was established in 1992 with funding and contracts from DARPA and NASA. The creation of ... management life-cycle including planning, execution and closeout Communication o Written ...

Provide technical project leadership, including planning, execution, risk management, and milestone ... Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA ...

Darpa Program Manager information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$38.1K

$106.3K

$155.3K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Dallas, TX is $106,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,600.00 and $131,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program Manager jobs in Dallas, TX? For Darpa Program Manager jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs? Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,303 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Principal Research Scientist

Qorvo, Inc.

Richardson, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Qorvo rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Qorvo (Nasdaq: QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers' most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves multiple high-growth segments of large global markets, including consumer electronics, smart home/IoT, automotive, EVs, battery-powered appliances, network infrastructure, healthcare and aerospace/defense. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

Qorvo is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to serve as a principal investigator and key individual contributor leading the development of next-generation wafer-level interconnects (BEOL), wafer-level packaging (WLP) approaches, and heterogeneous integration technologies. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader with a track record of innovation, proposal development, and successful funding capture, as well as experience guiding small R&D teams to deliver focused, high-impact results.  This role requires driving the creation of transformational, differentiated integrated circuit and packaging technologies that enable new product capabilities, accelerate technology adoption, and contribute directly to Qorvo's commercial success.  The candidate will work closely with internal product teams, external partners, government sponsors, and senior leadership, to shape technology roadmaps and transition research concepts into manufacturable solutions.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a key individual contributor and technical leader driving next-generation wafer-level interconnect, BEOL, WLP, and heterogeneous integration research
  • Author and influence technology roadmaps aligned to long-term product and innovation strategies
  • Lead proposal development, technical shaping, capture, and execution of funded programs as Principal Investigator
  • Provide technical project leadership, including planning, execution, risk management, and milestone delivery
  • Drive hands-on process ideation, development, pathfinding, troubleshooting, and execution for wafer and wafer-level packaging technologies
  • Collaborate with and direct technicians, junior engineers, and process engineers to execute development activities efficiently
  • Communicate program status, technical results, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders
  • Generate valuable intellectual property, including patents, invention disclosures, and proprietary process know-how
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and researchers while fostering technical excellence across the team

Minimum Qualifications ("need-to-have"):

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of GaN RF transistor fabrication experience
  • 8+ years of hands-on semiconductor R&D experience in cleanroom fabrication environments
  • Demonstrated expertise in semiconductor BEOL processing and/or wafer-level packaging (WLP) technologies
  • Hands-on experience with advanced metallization, dielectric integration, and interconnect process development
  • Working knowledge of device and mask layout design, particularly for analog and RF applications
  • Proven ability to lead and guide small, multidisciplinary R&D teams
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development, technical reporting, and executive-level presentations

Preferred Qualifications ("nice-to-have"):

  • 3+ years of experience serving as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or equivalent leader for advanced R&D programs
  • Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA, AFRL, or similar organizations
  • Expertise in advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) technologies
  • Hands-on experience with semiconductor process modules such as lithography (stepper and/or e-beam), etch, metallization, CMP, and SEM/FIB analysis
  • Experience with wafer-level and chip-level integration processes, including wafer-to-wafer and die-to-wafer bonding, Cu-Cu hybrid bonding, wafer thinning, lap/grind, and TSV technologies
  • Experience with device processing and DC/RF characterization, including RF measurements such as S-parameters and load-pull
  • Familiarity with epitaxial design or close collaboration with epitaxy teams
  • Experience using data analytics and visualization tools such as Spotfire
  • Knowledge of device reliability testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigation

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Company.

This position requires work on US Government contracts. Applicants must be a US Person (US citizen, permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT QORVO   

 We are Qorvo. We do more than create innovative RF and Power solutions for the mobile, defense and infrastructure markets - we are a place to innovate and shape the future of wireless communications. It starts with our employees. As a unified global team, we bring a commitment to excellence, growth and a passion for creating what's next. Explore the possibilities with us.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcome all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, color, religion, sex (as defined by law), national origin, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, or disability. 


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