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Darpa Program Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

We perform research, development, and advanced prototyping for DARPA, NASA, Air Force Research ... large program; travel will typically last no more than a week at a time. * Present techniques ...

We perform research, development, and advanced prototyping for DARPA, NASA, Air Force Research ... large program; travel will typically last no more than a week at a time. * Present techniques ...

Showing results 21-39

Darpa Program information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$20.2K

$42.9K

$59.1K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Decatur, AL is $42,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,200.00 and $44,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Darpa Program jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Darpa Program jobs in Decatur, AL are:

Vice President of Business Development

Special Aerospace Services

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Vice President of Business Development
Huntsville, AL

Who We Are
Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.

Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter, fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.

Position Overview

Aurex is seeking a Vice President of Business Development to lead strategic growth across U.S. Department of Defense and national security markets. This role will be responsible for expanding Aurex's customer base, market presence, and portfolio of opportunities across existing and new customers.

The Vice President will identify customer needs, shape opportunities, build strategic relationships, manage the business development pipeline, and lead major capture efforts from early qualification through proposal and award. This position will partner closely with executive, program, and technical leadership to position Aurex's capabilities and expertise against emerging customer priorities.

Expected travel: Approximately 2050%.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute business development strategies across targeted defense and national security markets.
  • Identify, qualify, prioritize, and shape strategic opportunities.
  • Maintain ownership of the opportunity pipeline, growth forecasts, and major pursuits.
  • Build and maintain senior-level relationships with government customers, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
  • Lead capture strategies, including customer engagement, competitive positioning, teaming, pricing strategy, and win themes.
  • Provide direct leadership throughout proposal strategy, development, review, and delivery.
  • Conduct customer, competitor, business case, and price-to-win analyses.
  • Identify and manage strategic teaming partners and suppliers.
  • Monitor defense priorities, budgets, acquisition strategies, and market trends.
  • Partner with executive leadership on corporate strategy, investments, and market expansion.
  • Lead cross-functional capture teams across technical, program, contracts, finance, and operations functions.
  • Represent Aurex in customer presentations, industry organizations, conferences, and panels.
  • Mentor business development and capture professionals and promote consistent capture practices across the organization.

Basic Qualifications

  • B.S. degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
  • 15+ years of aerospace, defense, intelligence, or related federal market experience.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing growth and capture strategies.
  • Established senior-level relationships within relevant DoD organizations and the defense industrial base.
  • Strong knowledge of DoD organizations, missions, acquisition approaches, budgeting, and competitive procurement processes.
  • Successful track record leading major capture and proposal efforts.
  • Experience managing opportunity pipelines across multiple customers.
  • Experience developing customer call plans, competitive assessments, teaming strategies, and probability-of-win evaluations.
  • Experience with space, missile, hypersonics, or related advanced defense programs.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical capabilities to executive, acquisition, and technical audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and operate independently.
  • Current and active Secret clearance with eligibility for upgrade.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Significant experience with organizations such as the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, Missile Defense Agency, DARPA, or other DoD components.
  • Extensive experience leading successful DoD capture and proposal efforts.
  • Strong technical understanding of space, missile, hypersonic, or related defense technologies.
  • Experience in senior program, portfolio, or business development leadership roles.
  • Experience transitioning prototypes or emerging technologies into production or Programs of Record.
  • Experience with program planning, budgeting, workforce planning, and risk management.
  • M.S. in a relevant field or M.B.A.
  • 20+ years of aerospace and defense experience.
  • Current and active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI.

How You Will Be Rewarded
The salary range for this role is $225,000 - $250.000 annually. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidates work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees health, well-being, and professional growth.

Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contractual obligation. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicants citizenship but only requires the applicant to be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.

Elevate your career by joining the Aurex Platform, a leader in aerospace innovatio