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Darpa Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The candidate will also support a DARPA Program Manager by providing comprehensive financial and administrative support to Program Managers and the broader agency. In this role, you will be ...

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 ...

The candidate will also support a DARPA Program Manager (PM) by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program-funded test ...

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

Senior Scientist

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$105.30K - $143.80K/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 salary details

$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.

More about Darpa Program Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Darpa Program Manager jobs? Cities with the most Darpa Program Manager job openings:
What states have the most Darpa Program Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Darpa Program Manager jobs include:
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.

Sr. Technical SETA

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 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 a near-term need for a Sr. Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture. Will be passionate about advanced R&D with strong communications and presentation skills. 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-day requirements. Will support periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks; assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Assist with program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, and other program execution operations. Help coordinate performer meetings, assess performer task progress and projected performer outcomes with a program team, and work with a team to ensure project management best practices are followed both at subject performers and within DARPA itself. Support the DARPA PM in strategic analyses, market research, special studies, and road mapping activities for improving planning, processes, and Science and Technology program investments; assist in technology assessments and evaluations. Monitor both the technical and programmatic progress of various performers and keep the program manager abreast of progress through daily communications, monthly reports, and other reports as needed. Assist in preparation and execution of various reviews of programs, gathering technical information and data on progress and accomplishments from the various performers. Liaise with and draft documents for technical PMs, business operations personnel, legal and contractual personnel, and administrative support staff; communicate clearly and effectively complex issues verbally and in writing for senior executive audiences, both inside and outside of (DoD and other agencies representatives) commands. Assist in the planning and execution of conferences, symposia and workshops, steering groups, program reviews, technical meetings, and other events; attend meetings; coordinate with government organizations; organize, coordinate schedules of invitees, host, and coordinate meetings; prepare program presentations. Provide input to draft briefings, and draft letters for the PM, enabling the PM to respond to inquiries related to the relevant programs; prepare briefings, reports, literature reviews, and documents to support the development and approval of new program concepts and technologies.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
  • 10+ years of experience
  • Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCI
  • Interest in technology management, with technical skills to understand the engineering challenges inherent to research efforts and professional desire to support/advise DARPA Program Managers
  • Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Desired:
  • Master's degree or PhD
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • 12+ years of experience providing technical and/or cost analysis
  • 10+ years of experience in a Research and Development organization/role
  • 5+ years of experience working with, and strong relationships within the Department of Defense (DoD)--specifically OSD, USAF, or USN