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Darpa Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

ECS

Functional Expert I

Arlington, VA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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Darpa Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do darpa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 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.

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Darpa Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program Manager job openings in the United States 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 $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) with Security Clearance

Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) with Security Clearance

SPA

Arlington, VA

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad.

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission.

SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively.

Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future. We have an immediate need for a Technical Subject Matter Expert to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities SPA seeks passionate and dedicated Subject Matter Experts to engage with the research and development community to tackle complex challenges and help push the limits of technology. Expert's primary function is to provide technical and programmatic advisory and assistance services to DARPA program managers. Assistance consists of advising on new projects of impactful basic research capabilities, including proposal reviews, site visits, demonstrations, and planning and coordinating work.

Expertise required to provide assessments of laboratory and other test results and recommendations to mitigate technical risk and potential program impact of failure. SMEs will be working and communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences and must be able to understand and translate complex technical matter into easily understandable and impact-focused language. Qualifications Required: * 15+ years of experience in technical, managerial, or scientific fields with expert credentials; recognized as an authority in that field * 10+ years of extensive experience, background, and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field * Active Secret clearance * Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating work * Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline * Able to work fully onsite based on client needs Desired: * Expertise in fields of Quantum, Optics, Photonics, Physics, Materials, Artificial intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, or Human Performance * Graduate degree in a STEM field with published articles in field of expertise * Program Management Professional or equivalent certification * Prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or SETA contractor, or 3-5 years supporting DARPA Program Managers on technical projects * Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout * Active Top Secret clearance

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