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Darpa Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

STR

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$174K - $225K/yr

Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: As an Autonomy Software Engineer in the SAAM group, you will work as a part of high-performing teams focused on ...

General Atomics

Software Developer VII

Poway, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Serve as principal investigator and program lead for advanced R&D efforts in AI/ML for battle management. * Interface directly with senior government customers, DARPA, AFRL, and DIU to translate ...

General Atomics

Software Developer VII

Poway, CA · On-site

Serve as principal investigator and program lead for advanced R&D efforts in AI/ML for battle management. * Interface directly with senior government customers, DARPA, AFRL, and DIU to translate ...

SPA

Systems Engineer with Security Clearance

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defence Force. Our primary ... The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defence Force. Our primary ... The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

... DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defence Force. Our primary ... The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility ...

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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 Aug 15, 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?

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.

How do you get hired at DARPA?

To get hired at DARPA, candidates typically need a strong background in science, engineering, or technology, along with relevant research experience. The application process involves submitting a resume through official government channels and often requires security clearances and interviews. Demonstrating expertise in innovative research and collaboration skills can improve chances of selection.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,123 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Senior Contracts Management Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

San Diego, CA

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 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.  

#MC

SPA's Sea Land Air (SLA) Division supports a diverse portfolio of national security government clients, including the Undersea Enterprise, the Navy Surface Community, the Navy MPTE Enterprise, the Air Force, Army, DoD Agencies, DARPA, international clients including the Canadian Navy and Australian Defense Force.  Our primary objective is to provide timely, objective and analytic assessments that integrate the policy, operational, technical, programmatic and acquisition aspects of our clients' challenges. Leveraging both in-domain and cross-domain expertise to maximize our clients' success, SLA Division acts as trusted agents to senior decision-makers and key leaders and excels at providing data driven analytic insights, systems engineering, strategies and plans that address current and emerging challenges to national security.

SPA is seeking a Senior Contracts Management Support Analyst to support a Navy client. #KS

Responsibilities

The Senior Contracts Management Analyst will help our clients draft procurement-related documents in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, DoD 5000 requirements, and associated guidance. 

You may also be called upon to direct or support the following activities:  1) Coordinate Industry Days, 2) Develop Requirements documents, to include Market Research Reports, Work Statements, Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRL), Contract Line Item Numbers (CLIN), DD-254s, Acquisition Plans, Source Selection Plans, Justifications & Approvals, and Determinations & Findings for activities approval by the Government, 3) Provide administrative source selection support, and 4) Administer contracts, to include preparation of Procurement Requests, Modification Requests, Technical Direction Letters/Technical Instructions, and tracking obligations/expenditures, and deliverables.

Qualifications

Required

  • Master's Degree 
  • 10-20 years of contracts management support experience
  • DAWIA Contracting Professional certification
  • Proficiency in DoW contracting laws, policies, regulations and legislation
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Top Secret/SCI Clearance, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment
Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. California, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $165,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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