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Darpa Program Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Overland AI

Senior Program Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... program management team. You will focus on enabling high-quality, effective delivery across ...

Overland AI

Mission Success Program Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... a program manager, operations manager, or equivalent role * Demonstrated experience leading ...

Overland AI

Accounting Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$165K/yr

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, and Program teams on special projects as ...

Overland AI

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... program management, document requirements, analyses, test outcomes, and design decisions, and ...

Overland AI

Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... Partner with engineers and program managers to ensure seamless deployment and alignment with end ...

Overland AI

Facility Security Officer

Seattle, WA · On-site

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... Plan, develop, and manage specialized security programs and procedures for both classified and ...

Overland AI

Infrastructure Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $225K/yr

... DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure ... programs * Develop CI/CD pipelines using GitLab or GitHub Actions * Deploy and manage AWS ...

Interlune

Director of Business Development

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125K - $250K/yr

Manage bid teams composed of Interlune and partners across industry, academia and research ... Demonstrated experience in creating and winning new programs. * Experience working in an ...

All JobsDarpa Program JobsDarpa Program Manager JobsDarpa Program Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

Darpa Program Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$43.8K

$122.3K

$178.7K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in Seattle, WA is $122,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $150,800.00 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 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.

How much do DARPA program managers make?

DARPA program managers typically earn 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 such as government health insurance and retirement plans.

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 due to the organization's focus on advanced research and innovation. Candidates typically need extensive experience in science, engineering, or technology, along with a strong track record of project management and security clearances. The hiring process involves rigorous evaluation, interviews, and background checks.

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 meet strategic objectives.

What is the average salary for DARPA?

DARPA program managers are federal employees, and their salaries typically range from approximately $130,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience and seniority. These roles often require advanced technical expertise, security clearances, and project management skills. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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Darpa Program Manager jobs near you

Senior Program Manager

Overland AI

Seattle, WA • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Overland AI
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.
Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.
Role Summary:
We're looking for an experienced, ambitious, detail-oriented professional to join our program management team. You will focus on enabling high-quality, effective delivery across existing and upcoming customer-facing programs. In this role, you will help define and execute strategic priorities related to program success and work across the entire team to ensure that company-level goals are achieved. You will work hand-in-hand with our engineering and product teams on a generational opportunity to build a critical capability, and the business to deliver it, during an urgent time.
What you'll do:
  • Own successful delivery of outcomes on multiple programs simultaneously.
    • Establish and lead effective program governance (e.g., stakeholder communication, update rhythms, customer engagements, milestone management, program measurement).
    • Ensure that programs are performed on time and on budget.
    • Develop enduring relationships with external and internal program stakeholders; be the face of Overland AI in external meetings and onsite with customers.
    • Coordinate and create documents in support of the program (e.g., charters, design reviews, project plans)
    • Work cross-functionally with engineering teams to deliver technical content.
    • Develop monthly program financial reports and forecast models.
  • Influence the company's strategy and growth.
    • Work cross-functionally to develop statements of work and support proposal development.
    • Define and execute growth strategies for current and follow-on contracts.
    • Support the product roadmap by being the voice of the customer and advocating for their needs and requirements.
    • Align programmatic objectives with other company initiatives to maximize overall engineering contributions.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, an Engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5 years of experience as a Program Manager.
  • Ability to obtain a US government security clearance.

Desired Experience & Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in Business, Computer Science, or an Engineering discipline.
  • 5 years of operational US military experience.
  • 2 years of experience fielding software or hardware products to real operating environments in deep-tech, defense, or high-growth start-up domains.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver successful outcomes on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced operating environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to structure ambiguous problems and take action to solve them.
  • Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally.
  • Familiarity with large-scale DoD procurement programs and contract deliverables execution.
  • Familiarity with software development lifecycles.
  • Familiarity with ground autonomy systems.

Benefits:
Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day.
  • The salary range for this position is $130K to $180K annually.
  • Equity compensation.
  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans.
  • Unlimited PTO.
  • 401k with company match.
  • Parental leave.

Location:
This position is located in Seattle, WA. Some travel expected (25-30%).
Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.
Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [peopleops@overland.ai] to request an accommodation.

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