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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 popular job titles related to Darpa Program jobs in Tennessee? For Darpa Program jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Darpa Program jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa Program jobs in Tennessee are:
Darpa Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 58% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - UTK

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - UTK

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description


The research group of Dr. Suya in the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to externally funded research in trustworthy AI, adversarial machine learning, and the security of physical/cyber-physical AI systems. The position is for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research projects at the intersection of trustworthy AI, security and privacy of cyber-physical and IoT systems, and physical-layer adversarial attacks against AI-enabled sensing and recognition systems. The position offers significant autonomy in shaping research directions, opportunities to co-author publications at top venues (CCS, NDSS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P), mentor graduate/undergraduate students, and participate in proposal development for federal funding agencies (NSF, DARPA, ARO, DoE).
Responsibilities
  • Lead and participate in research projects in one or more of the following areas: trustworthy AI; security and privacy of cyber-physical and IoT systems; side-channel attacks and defenses on AI workloads; or physical-layer attacks against AI-enabled sensing and recognition.
  • Co-advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers on related projects.
  • Co-author publications at top venues (e.g., CCS, NDSS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P).
  • Contribute to proposal development for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DARPA, ARO, DoE).

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed by start date).
  • Experience: Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in security, machine learning, or cyber-physical systems.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Strong programming skills (Python and/or C/C++) and experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch or TensorFlow); excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: Ph.D. with a dissertation focus in security, machine learning, cyber-physical systems, or a closely related area.
  • Experience: First-author publications at top-tier security venues (e.g., CCS, NDSS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P); experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers; service to the research community (paper reviewing, workshop organization).
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Expertise in one or more of: adversarial ML, side/covert channels, sensor-driven attacks, IoT/CPS security; background spanning both systems-level (embedded systems, signal processing, wireless/communications) and AI/ML research is a plus.

Work Location
  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits
  • Anticipated hiring range: Competitive, commensurate with experience. UTK provides comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
For full consideration, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
  • Curriculum Vitae (with full publication list)
  • Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
  • Research statement (1-2 pages) on past work and proposed directions

All related inquiries should be directed to Fnu Suya at fsuya@utk.edu.
About The Department
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is an R1 research university located in Knoxville, Tennessee, with strong collaborative ties to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) - one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories - offering unique opportunities for joint research in AI security, cyber-physical systems, and high-performance computing.
The Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science houses internationally recognized faculty and research programs spanning AI/ML, security, embedded and cyber-physical systems, computer architecture, and data science. Knoxville offers a low cost of living and quick access to the Great Smoky Mountains and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
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