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Darpa Program Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Mid-Level Systems Reliability Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $127K/yr

Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or DARPA programs. * Resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area. * US Citizenship is required and the ...

Mid-Level Systems Reliability Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $127K/yr

Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or DARPA programs. * Resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area. * US Citizenship is required and the ...

... DARPA. Work is expected to be primarily done in Marietta, GA and Huntsville, AL with additional ... The Program Manager will lead the execution of complex RF system development programs across the ...

Prior experience on government-funded R&D programs such as DARPA, IARPA, ONR, AFRL, ARL, DOE, or NSF. * Experience leading small technical teams in high-ambiguity research, prototype, or advanced ...

Lead Network Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Prior experience on government-funded R&D programs such as DARPA, IARPA, ONR, AFRL, ARL, DOE, or NSF. * Experience leading small technical teams in high-ambiguity research, prototype, or advanced ...

Prior experience on government-funded R&D programs such as DARPA, IARPA, ONR, AFRL, ARL, DOE, or NSF. * Experience leading small technical teams in high-ambiguity research, prototype, or advanced ...

Network Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

The Network Software Engineer will support DARPA's QuANET program. The role focuses on building and testing software that integrates network emulation, routing, telemetry, and cyber‑response logic.

The Network Software Engineer will support DARPA's QuANET program. The role focuses on building and testing software that integrates network emulation, routing, telemetry, and cyber-response logic.

The Network Software Engineer will support DARPA's QuANET program. The role focuses on building and testing software that integrates network emulation, routing, telemetry, and cyberresponse logic.

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Based in Huntsville, AL, this role combines technical leadership and program management for the development and deployment of autonomous systems for customers including DARPA, ONR, AFRL, and others.

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Based in Huntsville, AL, this role combines technical leadership and program management for the development and deployment of autonomous systems for customers including DARPA, ONR, AFRL, and others.

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Darpa Program information

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 expertise in science or engineering, experience leading research projects, and often an advanced degree (e.g., PhD) in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management tools, government contracting processes, and technical proposal evaluation is typically required. Strategic vision, strong communication, and the ability to inspire and coordinate multidisciplinary teams are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for successfully designing, launching, and managing high-impact, innovative research programs that address complex national challenges.

What is the average salary for DARPA?

DARPA program positions typically offer salaries comparable to federal government pay scales, with GS-13 to GS-15 levels, ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $150,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. These roles often require security clearances and specialized technical skills in research and development.

What is a DARPA Program?

A DARPA Program refers to a research and development initiative managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Defense. These programs are designed to create breakthrough technologies and capabilities for national security, often focusing on high-risk, high-reward innovations. DARPA Programs span a wide range of fields, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Each program is typically led by a program manager and aims to transition successful technologies to military or commercial use. Participation often involves collaboration among universities, private companies, and government labs.

How hard is it to get a job at DARPA?

Getting a job at DARPA is highly competitive due to its specialized research focus and security requirements. Candidates typically need advanced degrees, relevant technical expertise, and security clearances, with the hiring process involving multiple interviews and background checks.

What is DARPA currently working on?

DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, focuses on developing emerging technologies for national security. Currently, it is working on projects related to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, and advanced materials to maintain technological superiority. These efforts often involve collaboration with industry and academia and require specialized security clearances.

What are some typical challenges faced when working on a DARPA program team?

Working on a DARPA program team often involves tackling highly ambitious technical goals with tight deadlines and evolving requirements. Team members must be adaptable, as projects may pivot based on research findings or shifting priorities. Collaboration is key, as teams are typically multidisciplinary and may include external partners from academia, industry, and government. Successfully managing these dynamics while maintaining innovation and compliance with security protocols is a common challenge.

What is the difference between Darpa Program vs Research Scientist?

AspectDarpa ProgramResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in science or engineering, often with security clearancesRequires at least a master's degree, often a Ph.D., in a relevant scientific or technical field
Work EnvironmentGovernment-funded projects, often in labs or specialized facilities, with a focus on innovation and defense applicationsAcademic, industrial, or government labs; conducting experiments, data analysis, and publishing research
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Defense, research agencies, and contractorsUniversities, research institutions, or corporate R&D departments

While Darpa Programs focus on funding and managing innovative defense research projects, Research Scientists conduct scientific investigations across various fields, often contributing to knowledge and technology development. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but Darpa Programs are more project and funding-oriented within the defense sector, whereas Research Scientists focus on scientific discovery and experimentation.

Can civilians work for DARPA?

Yes, civilians can work for DARPA, which employs scientists, engineers, and project managers in research and development roles. Applicants typically need relevant advanced degrees, security clearances, and specialized skills in technology or science fields. Positions are often posted on government job portals and require a competitive application process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Darpa Program jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Darpa Program jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program jobs in Alabama? For Darpa Program jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Darpa Program jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Darpa Program job openings:
Mid-Level Systems Reliability Engineer

Mid-Level Systems Reliability Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$101K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 442 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next career challenge?
Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
Leidos Defense is seeking a talented RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability) Engineer to join a diverse team to create unique solutions for complex problems. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions.
The RAM Engineer will work on small or large programs associated with the DoD, DARPA, NASA, and commercial applications. The selected candidate is expected to have a significant impact on the development of reliability artifacts throughout the system's life cycle. Examples of artifacts include, but are not limited to: reliability prediction, Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) analysis, reliability block diagrams (RBD), reliability reports, statistics, Failure Modes Effect (Criticality) Analysis (FMEA/FMECA), Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS). The selected candidate will be expected to collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to resolve complex and significant problems using their technical knowledge. The selected candidate may present reliability engineering artifacts they have developed to the customer in formal design reviews and may serve as a customer liaison in many of their programs.
The RAM Engineer will work in a matrixed organization at Leidos, with the potential to support one or multiple programs at once in a variety of engineering fields with different team environments, from the large-scale programs that Leidos is the prime contractor for, to smaller-scale programs for which Leidos provides support as a subcontractor to companies in the top 100 DoD contractors. The candidate will join a diverse team of other RAM engineers, systems engineers and specialty engineers (e.g., Safety and Human Factors, Risk, Test) within Leidos and may have the opportunity to work on programs from their preferred background, as well as challenge themselves by working on programs outside of their expertise.
As a RAM Engineer, this candidate may serve as RAM Engineer on at least one major program, where they may be part of a small team or a larger team of systems engineers. In this role, the candidate may interface with program IPTs, customers, and line management. The expectation is for the RAM Engineer to work independently with significant impact on project deliverables. The RAM engineer may also have the opportunity to impact RAM processes outside their program as the RAM capability within Leidos keeps growing. The goal of the Defense Systems Sector is to eventually incorporate RAM analyses into a Model-Based Systems Engineering environment where possible.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical/engineering degree from an ABET-accredited university.
  • Candidate must possess a BS degree and 4+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2+ years of prior relevant experience.
  • Must have experience conducting RAM related analyses such as MTTR, MTBF, FMEA, RBD, FRACAS, power dissipation, and derating.
  • Position requires candidate to be capable of performing in a highly collaborative engineering environment working closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Experience in deriving (RAM) requirements for complex electrical, electro-mechanical, mechanical, and software systems.
  • Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or DARPA programs.
  • Resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.
  • US Citizenship is required and the ability to obtain/maintain a secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to take on complex or ambiguous technical tasks, develop a structured plan of action, and drive it to completion with minimal supervision.
  • Experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g., VBA, Python, MATLAB, or R) to automate RAM analyses and support data-driven decision making.
  • Experience with Reliasoft and/or other reliability analysis tools, such as Relyence.
  • Experience with LTSpice or other electronic circuit simulator software.
  • Experience in working with SysML to develop Model-Based Systems Engineering diagrams.
  • Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) and/or INCOSE CSEP certification preferred.
  • An understanding of the top-down systems engineering process for architecture development and bottoms-up verification.
  • Experience in supporting Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) and Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT).
  • Experience performing risk management, test planning, and proposal development.
  • Understanding of the DoD acquisition processes and methods.
  • Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical/engineering degree from an ABET-accredited university.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 18, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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