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Darpa Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space Systems Integration

Project Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $215K/yr

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). * Space Rapid Capabilities Program Office (SpRCO). * Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). * Pentagon & Headquarters Staff (AQ, SQ, J-Dirs, GOs ...

STR

Senior Researcher

San Diego, CA · On-site

... DARPA research programs. The Role: The SAAM Group is seeking a Senior Researcher to research, design, develop, and implement a portfolio of capabilities to further our autonomy mission. You will ...

Space Systems Integration

Project Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $215K/yr

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). * Space Rapid Capabilities Program Office (SpRCO). * Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). * Pentagon & Headquarters Staff (AQ, SQ, J-Dirs, GOs ...

Space Systems Integration

Project Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$190K - $215K/yr

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). * Space Rapid Capabilities Program Office (SpRCO). * Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). * Pentagon & Headquarters Staff (AQ, SQ, J-Dirs, GOs ...

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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 Jun 13, 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.

How hard is it to get a job at DARPA?

Getting a job at DARPA is highly competitive, often requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills in science or engineering, and security clearances. Candidates typically undergo a rigorous selection process that includes technical assessments and background checks. Strong research experience and a track record of innovation can improve chances of hiring.

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.

Can anyone work for DARPA?

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) employs highly skilled professionals in science, engineering, and technology fields, often requiring security clearances and advanced degrees. While there are no specific restrictions on who can apply, candidates typically need relevant experience, a strong educational background, and the ability to obtain necessary security clearances. Job opportunities are competitive and often involve working on cutting-edge research projects in a secure environment.

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.

How much does DARPA pay?

DARPA program salaries vary depending on the role, experience, and security clearance level. Generally, salaries for government research positions range from around $70,000 to over $150,000 annually, with higher pay for senior roles and specialized skills. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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.
Director of Federal Programs, Additive Manufacturing

Director of Federal Programs, Additive Manufacturing

Hadrian Automation, Inc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.
We're accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.
Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.
This role reports to the VP of Additive Manufacturing, who leads the AM group reporting directly to the CEO. You will serve as a strategic partner to AM leadership in setting federal strategy and building durable relationships across DoD, prime contractors, and the broader federal acquisition community, working hand in hand with the Hadrian Federal team, who own Hadrian's federal customer relationships and program delivery.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Federal AM Strategy and Growth: Define federal growth strategy in partnership with AM leadership and the Hadrian Federal team, including target customer identification, pursuit prioritization, capture sequencing, and multi-year revenue planning aligned with AM equipment investments, capability roadmaps, and delivery capacity.
  • Hadrian Federal Team Partnership: Operate as the dedicated AM partner inside the Hadrian Federal team's customer motion, jointly planning account strategy, sharing customer intelligence, coordinating on pursuits, and aligning on capture priorities. Represent the AM business across all stages of federal engagement, from early customer shaping through proposal, award, SOW finalization, program kickoff, and ongoing program execution.
  • Customer Engagement and Relationship Development: Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across the DoD AM customer landscape, including Air Force (AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, AFLCMC Rapid Sustainment Office and Advanced Manufacturing Program Office), Navy (NAVSEA technical warrant holders, Navy AM Center of Excellence, NAVAIR, ONR), Army (DEVCOM ARL, DEVCOM GVSC, Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center Advanced and Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Army Futures Command), Space Force, SOCOM, MDA, and defense agencies (DIU, DARPA, OSD ManTech, DLA). Represent Hadrian AM at customer engagements, industry events, executive briefings, and congressional engagements.
  • Prime Contractor Capture: Develop and lead capture campaigns with defense primes (Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, GE Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney) where federal programs flow through prime contracts. Position Hadrian's AM capabilities into prime pursuits, teaming arrangements, and supplier qualification pathways.
  • AM-Specific Program Capture: Identify, shape, and win federal programs across the full set of available acquisition vehicles, including Title III, DPA investments, SBIR/STTR Phase III, and traditional FAR-based contracts. Drive shaping activity early in the acquisition cycle to influence requirements, evaluation criteria, and competitive positioning.
  • AM Project Call and OTA Response Ownership: Own Hadrian AM's response to AM-focused project calls and RFPs issued by America Makes and other Manufacturing USA institutes, as well as AM-specific OTA solicitations across relevant consortia and rapid contracting vehicles, including NSTXL-managed vehicles, AM-focused consortia, and other DoD OT pathways. Maintain Hadrian's membership posture, working group participation, and visibility into upcoming open project calls, rapid innovation calls, and directed project calls funded by OSD ManTech and service ManTech offices. Lead opportunity qualification, teaming decisions, solution architecture coordination with AM technical leaders, and proposal development through award, working in collaboration with the Hadrian Federal team to submit. The Hadrian Federal team owns broader federal proposals outside of AM-specific scope.
  • Capture Lifecycle Execution: Run disciplined capture across the pursuit lifecycle, including opportunity qualification, gate reviews, customer call plans, win strategy development, competitive analysis, teaming decisions, pricing strategy support, color team reviews, and B&P investment recommendations. Build AM-specific capture rigor that plugs into Hadrian's existing federal motion, including pursuit standards, gate review templates, capture artifacts, and proposal libraries.
  • AM Proposal Leadership: Lead proposal strategy and technical narrative development for AM-specific pursuits in partnership with AM leadership, Engineering, Quality, Materials and Process, Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal. Own win themes, executive summaries, past performance positioning, and price-to-win analysis. Coordinate with the Hadrian Federal team to submit, ensuring AM technical content is accurately represented in joint pursuits where AM is one element of a broader Hadrian proposal.
  • Pipeline Management and Forecasting: Ensure AM pursuits are accurately represented and maintained within the Hadrian Federal team's pipeline, including stage definitions, probability weighting, capture milestones, and forecast accuracy for AM-specific opportunities. Present AM pipeline health, risks, and resource needs to the VP of AM and the executive team on a recurring cadence.
  • Industrial Base and Market Intelligence: Engage with the organic industrial base modernization community, the Defense Production Act Title III community, and selectively with organizations like NIAR when engagement positions Hadrian for government opportunities. Maintain visibility into competitor activity, emerging acquisition vehicles, congressional priorities, appropriations developments, and customer-specific roadmaps that affect AM federal demand.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
  • High ownership, bias for action, and ability to drive outcomes across functions without formal authority.
  • Senior military operational background (O-6 or above) with subsequent industry capture, BD, or program leadership experience.
  • Prior experience as a federal program or product leader inside a defense technology, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing company, with direct accountability for federal P&L, pursuit outcomes, or technology transition into programs of record.
  • Direct relationships with flag, SES, SPE, and senior acquisition leadership across NAVSEA, AFRL, SOCOM, DIU, OSD, MDA, or equivalent agencies.
  • Familiarity with hypersonics, propulsion, naval and submarine industrial base, sUAS, and other priority DoD modernization portfolios where AM is a critical enabler.
  • Experience operating as the business unit or product line representative inside an established federal BD or capture organization.
  • Experience navigating congressional engagement, appropriations cycles, and industrial base policy (DPA, DIB modernization, organic industrial base).
  • Strong technical fluency to engage credibly with AM engineering and program leaders, customers, and primes.

COMPENSATION:
For this role, the target salary range is $200,000 - $250,000(actual range may vary based on experience).
This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Benefits for Full-time Employees
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
  • 401k
  • Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
  • Flexible vacation policy

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the Company's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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