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Darpa Program Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA, AFRL, or similar organizations * Expertise in advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous integration ...

Whether it's a simple penetration test or deploying an end-to-end software security program, our ... Cigital was established in 1992 with funding and contracts from DARPA and NASA. The creation of ...

Darpa Program information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$21.3K

$45.2K

$62.3K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Dallas, TX is $45,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,100.00 and $47,000.00 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 Dallas, TX? The most popular types of Darpa Program jobs in Dallas, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Darpa Program jobs in Dallas, TX? For Darpa Program jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Darpa Program jobs? Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Darpa Program job openings:

Principal Research Scientist

Qorvo, Inc.

Richardson, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Qorvo rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Qorvo (Nasdaq: QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers' most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves multiple high-growth segments of large global markets, including consumer electronics, smart home/IoT, automotive, EVs, battery-powered appliances, network infrastructure, healthcare and aerospace/defense. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

Qorvo is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to serve as a principal investigator and key individual contributor leading the development of next-generation wafer-level interconnects (BEOL), wafer-level packaging (WLP) approaches, and heterogeneous integration technologies. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader with a track record of innovation, proposal development, and successful funding capture, as well as experience guiding small R&D teams to deliver focused, high-impact results.  This role requires driving the creation of transformational, differentiated integrated circuit and packaging technologies that enable new product capabilities, accelerate technology adoption, and contribute directly to Qorvo's commercial success.  The candidate will work closely with internal product teams, external partners, government sponsors, and senior leadership, to shape technology roadmaps and transition research concepts into manufacturable solutions.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a key individual contributor and technical leader driving next-generation wafer-level interconnect, BEOL, WLP, and heterogeneous integration research
  • Author and influence technology roadmaps aligned to long-term product and innovation strategies
  • Lead proposal development, technical shaping, capture, and execution of funded programs as Principal Investigator
  • Provide technical project leadership, including planning, execution, risk management, and milestone delivery
  • Drive hands-on process ideation, development, pathfinding, troubleshooting, and execution for wafer and wafer-level packaging technologies
  • Collaborate with and direct technicians, junior engineers, and process engineers to execute development activities efficiently
  • Communicate program status, technical results, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders
  • Generate valuable intellectual property, including patents, invention disclosures, and proprietary process know-how
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and researchers while fostering technical excellence across the team

Minimum Qualifications ("need-to-have"):

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of GaN RF transistor fabrication experience
  • 8+ years of hands-on semiconductor R&D experience in cleanroom fabrication environments
  • Demonstrated expertise in semiconductor BEOL processing and/or wafer-level packaging (WLP) technologies
  • Hands-on experience with advanced metallization, dielectric integration, and interconnect process development
  • Working knowledge of device and mask layout design, particularly for analog and RF applications
  • Proven ability to lead and guide small, multidisciplinary R&D teams
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development, technical reporting, and executive-level presentations

Preferred Qualifications ("nice-to-have"):

  • 3+ years of experience serving as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or equivalent leader for advanced R&D programs
  • Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA, AFRL, or similar organizations
  • Expertise in advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) technologies
  • Hands-on experience with semiconductor process modules such as lithography (stepper and/or e-beam), etch, metallization, CMP, and SEM/FIB analysis
  • Experience with wafer-level and chip-level integration processes, including wafer-to-wafer and die-to-wafer bonding, Cu-Cu hybrid bonding, wafer thinning, lap/grind, and TSV technologies
  • Experience with device processing and DC/RF characterization, including RF measurements such as S-parameters and load-pull
  • Familiarity with epitaxial design or close collaboration with epitaxy teams
  • Experience using data analytics and visualization tools such as Spotfire
  • Knowledge of device reliability testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigation

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Company.

This position requires work on US Government contracts. Applicants must be a US Person (US citizen, permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT QORVO   

 We are Qorvo. We do more than create innovative RF and Power solutions for the mobile, defense and infrastructure markets - we are a place to innovate and shape the future of wireless communications. It starts with our employees. As a unified global team, we bring a commitment to excellence, growth and a passion for creating what's next. Explore the possibilities with us.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcome all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, color, religion, sex (as defined by law), national origin, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, or disability. 


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