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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Mano Lani

Program Manager III

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

Mano Lani LLC has an opening for a Program Manager III who will provide senior-level program management support to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Adaptive Capabilities Office ...

New

ECS

Senior Science Advisor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$157.10K - $157.70K/yr

The successful candidate will support a DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program-funded test ...

ECS

Technical SETA - MTO

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148.40K - $192.20K/yr

The successful candidate will support a DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program-funded test ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Technical SETA

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148.40K - $192.20K/yr

The candidate will utilize technical skills to understand the complex problems associated with DARPA programs, while simultaneously providing the necessary management support to execute the day-to ...

ECS

Technical SETA - Quantum

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148.40K - $192.20K/yr

The successful candidate will support a DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program-funded test ...

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Darpa Program Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$40.1K

$111.8K

$163.3K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Reston, VA is $111,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa Program Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:
Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,797 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
DARPA SETA Surface and Subsurface Engineer

DARPA SETA Surface and Subsurface Engineer

Pae

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community.

Amentum is currently seeking talented, enthusiastic, and dynamic individuals to support DARPA in formulating, monitoring, and transitioning advanced research and development programs to the U.S. military in multiple areas, including hypersonics, propulsion, sensors, electronic warfare (EW), effects, autonomy, AI, material sciences, marine engineering, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and software for air, ground, surface, subsurface, space, biological, and information systems.

This is a full-time position based in Arlington, VA with the opportunity for remote work.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs.

  • Candidates will serve as a primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and the research and development communities across industry, academia, and the Government.

  • Support the identifying and implementing of new program concepts.

  • Provide program management and acquisition support.

  • Identify and translate requirements into technology research and development objectives.

  • Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses.

  • Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews.

  • Support program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, test ranges, and test facilities.

  • Author program briefings and technical reports.

  • Candidates may travel up to approximately 25% of the time.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience.

  • Experience in relevant surface or subsurface engineering for commercial or defense-related technology research and/or development programs.

  • Ability to provide practical and creative solutions in a dynamic work environment, while working effectively with a team.

  • Technical leadership experience and superior oral and written communications skills.

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a rapidly evolving environment.

  • Familiarity with classical systems engineering processes and procedures.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret and TS/SCI US Government Clearance.

    Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret and TS/SCI Clearance

Desired Qualifications:

  • Military and/or DARPA program support experience.

  • Ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues.

  • Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

  • Active US Government TS Clearance with SCI eligibility. Please note US Citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a TS Clearance with SCI eligibility.

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

03/06/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

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