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Darpa Program Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Chief RF Engineer, Space Radar

Boston, MA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Experience with government and defense customers and program environments, for example SDA, SSC, DARPA, AFRL, NRO, or national labs. * Spaceborne or new space experience, including smallsat power ...

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Ensure program execution excellence with attention to schedule, risk management, cost performance ... such as AFRL, DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. Ability to develop technology roadmaps and long-term ...

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Ensure program execution excellence with attention to schedule, risk management, cost performance ... such as AFRL, DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. Ability to develop technology roadmaps and long-term ...

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Ensure program execution excellence with attention to schedule, risk management, cost performance ... Experience engaging with DoD S&T organizations such as AFRL, DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. * Ability to ...

... DARPA, etc.) and Intelligence Community needs. About the Role: As a Lead Signal Processing ... Active Security Clearance, with eligibility to support special access programs, for which US ...

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$181.80 - $280.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Ensure program execution excellence with attention to schedule, risk management, cost performance ... Experience engaging with DoD S&T organizations such as AFRL, DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. * Ability to ...

... Navy, DARPA, etc.) and Intelligence Community needs. About the Role: As a Principal Signal ... Active Security Clearance, with eligibility to support special access programs, for which US ...

Principal Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With clients including NASA, DARPA, AWS, and the DoW, we leverage our cutting-edge research to ... Funding & Program Leadership: Proven success securing external research grants or contracts, and ...

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... reentry programs. • Oversee all phases of material and process development, including concept ... DARPA, MDA, ARL and ONR. • Ability to develop technology roadmaps and long-term investment ...

Chief Of Staff - BBN Technologies

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$132.40 - $251.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience working on Department of Defense/Intelligence Community Science and Technology (S&T) programs (i.e. DARPA, ONR, AFRL, IARPA, OUSD, etc.) * Experience engaging with senior business leaders ...

Experience leading technical teams on advanced R&D programs (e.g., DARPA, IARPA, DTRA, NIH, AFRL, ONR, ARL research projects) * Experience developing biotechnologies for diverse applications ...

Showing results 21-40

Darpa Program information

See Boston, MA salary details

$23.4K

$49.7K

$68.4K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Boston, MA is $49,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $51,600.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Darpa Program jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program jobs in Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Darpa Program jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Darpa Program jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Darpa Program jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Darpa Program job openings:

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

STR

Woburn, MA • On-site

$174K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real-time embedded processor implementation.

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze system capabilities, develop enabling algorithms, and take these integrated systems through test. We focus on the capabilities and limitations of ground, air, surface, and space sensing and counter-sensing platforms and the resource management of these assets to assure the mission success of US air and space assets. SAAM also leverages the emerging use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in uncrewed systems and techniques to collect, fuse, and understand sensor data across full systems of systems to assure mission success. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto both prototype demonstration systems & operational systems. 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 autonomy development and mission systems integration within demanding customer environments. You will ensure that these teams are executing at a high level to develop robust, fielded solutions that also lay the groundwork for future programs to build on.

What you will do:

  • System Development: leverage mature hardware systems and develop code to integrate them together, collaborating with SMEs across STR to leverage advanced algorithms where needed
  • System Test: work closely with test leads in the SAAM group to leverage testing capabilities across M&S and live test, leveraging Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) infrastructure
  • Leadership: lead small, focused teams to implement and test real-time applications featuring open architecture software principles, implementing real-time systems in Modern C++ from verified algorithms written in higher-level languages such as MATLAB
  • Customer engagement: support potential and current customer discussions to better understand their requirements and shape product development

Who you are:

  • Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ development, including multi-threaded applications
  • Experience with test-driven development and CI/CD practices
  • Familiarity with cross-platform development (Windows, Linux, iOS) and version control workflows
  • Experience with hardware/software integration
  • Minimum of 2 years relevant experience with PhD, 5 years with MS, or 7 years with BS
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government

Even Better:

  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
  • 5+ years of C++ programming experience with open architecture systems
  • Experience with safety-critical software architectures
  • Experience with real-time software development and algorithm optimization
  • Familiarity with network protocols and debugging
  • Familiarity with relevant open standards such as OMS/UCI and A-GRA
  • Experience with software quality tools (static/dynamic analysis, automated testing frameworks)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $174,000 - $225,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.