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Darpa Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$21.2K

$45.1K

$62.2K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 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 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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,123 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Program Security Representative

Program Security Representative

System High Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$175K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Program Security Representative (PSR) requires a fundamental knowledge of the basics of program protection, classification architectures, Operations Security (OPSEC), Communications Security (COMSEC), sensitive test planning, intelligence & counterintelligence threat support requirements, secure information transmission, secure hardware transportation, and the principles governing controls on fundamental research activities. Qualifying relevant experience includes demonstrated recent experience in successfully performing as a program security representative (or similar title) for one or more programs on a contract or in an organization that provides security support to a federal entity or private corporation in a classified environment
Duties shall include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Develop and support security architectures for new technology programs across the entire spectrum of classification; including the ability to facilitate intelligence requests to obtain state of- the-world, rest-of-the-world, or state-of-the-art technology/capability status. In developing a new program, the PSR must be able to analyze the program, national policy, existing, related programs (as applicable), and intelligently craft a security classification architecture for the program that facilitates the secure execution of the program with minimal impact to cost and schedule. Additionally, the program's life cycle must be considered and addressed in the security classification architecture to facilitate transition activities.
  • Research and recommend/develop long and short range program protection security strategies and tactics for new and established programs, as well as changes in program direction.
  • Using their knowledge of the various security disciplines (e.g. physical, information, personnel, etc.) determine, apply, and monitor appropriate security requirements and tasks relative to the specific technology programs to be protected. Prepare and present suggestions for improvement as appropriate
  • Create DD 254's, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification, for classified efforts, in various life-cycle stages, ensuring security requirements are clear and concise.
    • DD 254s must be created and staffed to the PSO and Information/Industrial Security section within 5 business days of being tasked.
    • Signed and approved DD 254s must be disseminated to appropriate contractors and contracting agents within 2 business days of receipt.
  • Apply a subject matter expert working knowledge of Executive Order 13526, the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), DoD Information Security Manuals, and DoD SAP Security Manuals.
  • Indoctrinate newly assigned personnel and de-brief departing personnel
  • Support the creation, processing, coordination, and approval of physical security (SAP Facility and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) and Automated Information Systems (AIS)) accreditations, as well as entering such information, including individuals programs, contracts and performers, if required, into appropriate information security management systems, i.e.:
  1. DARPA Archive System
  2. Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS)
  3. DARPA Facility and Security Tracking System (DFASTS)
  4. Security Control Suite (SCS)
  5. SILVERADO / Joint Access Database Environment (JADE)
  • Communicate effectively with other Service /Agency program security staffs including, but not limited to, the Defense Security Service (DSS), Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Department of Energy, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and agencies and offices within the IC.
  • Develop, write, review, coordinate, and execute security documentation, e.g.:

  1. Security Classification Guides (SCGs); all levels
  2. Program Protection Plans
  3. Test Security Plans
  4. Public Affairs (PA) / Perception Management Plans
  5. Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP)
  6. Network Accreditation Plans
  7. System Security Plans
  8. Technology Transfer and Program
  9. Transition Plans
  10. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  11. Co-Utilization Agreements (CUA)
  12. O'CONUS Deployment Plans
  13. Managed Access Plans
  14. Treaty Compliance Plans
  15. Transportation Plans
  16. Dismantle, Disposition & Demilitarization Plans
  17. Detailed trip & meeting reports
  18. Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)
  19. Memorandums of Agreements (MOA)

Note: All PSRs must be able to successfully draft, review, and when necessary prepare final documents for staffing and signature within 30 calendar days of tasking.
  • Plan, coordinate, provide, and manage security support for meetings. Attend program reviews, i.e., preliminary design reviews (PDR), critical design reviews (CDR), and integrated product team (IPT) reviews, to ensure changes to system baselines don't negatively affect security and initiate actions to add mitigation where necessary.
  • Actively support Agency Staff Assistance Visits of cleared defense industry base contractors and government agencies as well as the DARPA Self-Inspection Programs.
  • Perform OPSEC analysis and provide other OPSEC support, to include identification of critical program information (CPI), collecting and analyzing threat data, and developing and coordinating program OPSEC plans.
  • Plan and assist with program close-out actions including participation in program closeout reviews at performer sites.
  • Participate in and play a key role in the Broad Area Announcement (BAA) process in support of new programs, provide security support to all classification and security architected programs, and ensure security support for all classified programs. Support the PM's vision to bring in new ideas while protecting National Security interests

  • Extensive knowledge of Special Access Programs
  • Apply working knowledge of Executive Order 13526, NISPOM, NISPOM Overprint, ICD series, DCID series, DoD 5205.7 SAP manuals, and other applicable security policies
  • Previous DoD experience strongly desired
  • Possess the energy, experience, and subject matter expertise to demonstrate sound judgment, foresight and problem solving skills in a fast-pace S&T RDT&E environment
  • Possess excellent organizational and communication skills; demonstrating an ability to communicate, interact easily and effectively with a wide variety of individuals and echelons in both written and verbal forms
  • Manage and maintain detailed information and documentation
  • Possess excellent research and data-gathering skills with an ability to interpret/analyze complex information within operational RDT&E) / S&T environments
  • Work independently, as well as in a team environment, within the bounds and guidelines of the organization

Professional Business Functions:
  • Attend meetings (either locally or out-of-area) and create meeting summaries or trip reports
  • Prepare and submit meeting minutes on an as-required basis
  • Prepare/present briefings, incorporating graphics (if appropriate) for/to SID/ DARPA leaders
  • Prepare various security forms associated with their duties
  • Assist in entry control and perform escort duties for visitors
  • Answer telephones and other modes of administrative communications in the performance of duties
  • Perform self-inspections, identify security discrepancies, and report security incidents
  • Perform, or support, security inspections, identify security discrepancies and prepare reports
  • Perform courier duties within the continental United States (CONUS)
  • Perform user-level security administrator and information security responsibilities are required and in compliance with US Codes, Executive Orders, and DoD and DARPA policy
  • Perform objective reviews on all documentation encountered during performance of duties

Clearance
  • Active TS/SCI is required
  • Subject to a random counter-intelligence scope polygraphs as a condition of access eligibility.

Years of Experience/Education Requirements
  • BS with 5 years of related DoD or IC experience or AS with 8 years of DoD or IC related experience

Travel Requirements
  • Ability to travel to CONUS and/or OCONUS locations
  • Limited travel within the region
  • Must have active US passport for OCONUS travel requirements

Additional Information
  • This job description is not designed to cover or contain all job duties required of the employee. There may be additional activities, duties and/or responsibilities that are required for this position that are not listed in this job description.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
  • System High is a Military friendly employer. Our extensive work on behalf of the U.S. government offers those who have served in uniform an opportunity to continue to serve their country in a new and exciting way while enjoying a successful civilian career.
  • System High values the power and strength of diverse backgrounds on the culture and performance of our company. We strive to maintain an inclusive culture to encourage each employee to bring their whole self to the mission.
  • System High Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
  • If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with us, please email recruiting@systemhigh.com
  • Legal notices can be viewed on the following PDFs: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal; EPPA Notice; FMLA Notice

Warning: Beware of recruitment scams: System High will never request money or personal purchases during the hiring process. Verify all communications come from a systemhigh.com or msg.paycomonline.com email address.

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