ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Darpa Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arenatechnologies

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

... DARPA, and international partners such as the Canadian Navy and Australian Defence Force. SLA ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... Programs are typically large, multi-year efforts divided into several sub-programs/tasks. The ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... Programs are typically large, multi-year efforts divided into several sub-programs/tasks. The ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... Programs are typically large, multi-year efforts divided into several sub-programs/tasks. The ...

SPA

Program Manager with Security Clearance

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force. Our primary ... Programs are typically large, multi-year efforts divided into several sub-programs/tasks. The ...

HRUCKUS

Operations and Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Veteran Firm Seeking an Operations and Program Manager for an Onsite Assignment in San Jose, CA My ... DARPA, and other leading-edge R&D-focused defense agencies. We seek to fill an Operations and ...

Socket.dev

Engineering Program Manager- ML

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K/yr

About the Role Our Perception & AI/ML organization runs several research and engineering programs ... in DARPA challenge segments. Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution We are looking for builders ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDarpa Program JobsDarpa Program Jobs in California

Darpa Program information

See California salary details

$21.2K

$45.1K

$62.2K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in California is $45,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $46,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DARPA program manager?

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 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.

Is it possible to work at DARPA?

DARPA offers employment opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in science, engineering, and technology, often requiring security clearances and advanced degrees. Positions typically involve research and development in cutting-edge fields, and applicants should have relevant skills and experience. Job openings are posted on government and defense job portals, and candidates undergo rigorous screening processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Darpa Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Darpa Program jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program jobs in California?

For Darpa Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Darpa Program jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Darpa Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Darpa Program jobs?

Cities in California with the most Darpa Program job openings:

Darpa Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $45,123 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Marina Del Rey, CA • On-site

University of Southern California
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Southern Californiaexternal

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities
Theory
  • Quantum transport modeling using NEGF; first-principles materials and interface calculations using DFT (VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or equivalent).
  • Atomistic spin dynamics or micromagnetic simulation (e.g., Vampire, OOMMF, MuMax3); extraction of compact device models from first-principles results.

Experiment
  • End-to-end device fabrication: e-beam lithography, metallization, lift-off, thin-film deposition, and etch.
  • Integration of heterogeneous material stacks supplied by collaborators into working device structures.
  • Electrical and magnetic characterization, including cryogenic transport, FMR, and high-frequency lock-in measurements.

Program role
  • Design and lead validation experiments at the major program decision gates, co-author theory and experimental publications, and contribute to the patent portfolio.

Qualifications
Required
  • PhD (awarded or imminent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated competence in both a computational technique (NEGF, DFT, micromagnetics, atomistic spin dynamics, or equivalent) and an experimental technique (device fabrication, transport, FMR, magneto-optics, or thin-film characterization).
  • Strong publication record.

Preferred
  • Prior experience with spintronic materials or beyond-CMOS device platforms.
  • Familiarity with MATLAB or the Python scientific stack.
  • Prior involvement in multi-PI collaborations or government-funded programs.

What the Program Offers
Competitive salary commensurate with experience (USC postdoc / USC-ISI graduate research assistant scales). Access to USC-ISI cleanroom facilities, the broader USC research ecosystem, and fabrication routing through the CA DREAMS Microelectronics Commons Hub. Direct involvement in a high-visibility DARPA program with clear paths to first-author publications and a position in a growing patent portfolio. The successful candidate will interact regularly with senior faculty at partner institutions. Detailed technical scope will be discussed during the interview. The initial appointment is for 18 months, renewable for up to 36 months subject to performance and program funding.
To Apply
CV including publication list A one-page statement describing your prior research and your interest in the program - please indicate explicitly which theoretical and experimental techniques you bring Names and contact information for three references PDF of one representative publication
Email your CV, cover letter, and relevant publications to Ajey Jacob at ajey@isi.edu.
The Application Specific Intelligent Computing Lab at the USC Information Sciences Institute (USC-ISI) is recruiting to join a beyond-CMOS spintronics program - a 36-month, multi-institution DARPA-funded effort to develop a three-terminal beyond-CMOS digital logic switch based on spintronic elements.
The successful candidate will take technical leadership on device physics and device integration, working across theory and experiment within a multi-PI team spanning USC-ISI and partner institutions.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$152467.htmld

What University Of Southern California employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Southern California logo

About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

View All University of Southern California Jobs

Apply