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Darpa Program Jobs in Gardner, MA (NOW HIRING)

Worcester Polytech

Assistant Professor

Worcester, MA

$105K - $118K/yr

The candidate will be expected to develop an active externally funded research program and teach ... Our faculty has research support from NSF, NIH, AFRL, Army, ONR, NASA, DARPA, and industry funding.

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Darpa Program information

See Gardner, MA salary details

$22.8K

$48.4K

$66.7K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Gardner, MA is $48,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Darpa Program jobs in Gardner, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa Program jobs in Gardner, MA are:
What cities near Gardner, MA are hiring for Darpa Program jobs? Cities near Gardner, MA with the most Darpa Program job openings:
Darpa Program jobs near you

Assistant Professor

Worcester Polytech

Worcester, MA

$105K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE

Assistant Professor

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Mechanical & Materials Engineering

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in the area of Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Mechatronics and Controls available at the assistant professor level.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The successful candidate will possess a strong background in Mechatronics and Controls, demonstrate proficiency in applying AI techniques to these application areas, and strengthen the connection with the Robotics Engineering Department. Expertise in intelligent sensing and perception, cyber-physical systems, data-driven modeling and control, and AI/deep learning is essential. Applications may include autonomous systems and mobility, intelligent infrastructure, human-robot interaction, smart health, advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0/5.0, mechatronics for sustainability, and other areas complementary to the department's existing strengths. A proven ability to integrate multidisciplinary methodologies to solve complex challenges is highly desirable. The candidate will be expected to develop an active externally funded research program and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering. Candidate is required to have a PhD or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, or another relevant discipline. This position may be appointed to 25% or a more suitable fraction in the Robotics Engineering Department, as agreed by the successful candidate and the two departments. This position is expected to be filled at the Assistant Professor level. For experienced candidates, rank will be commensurate with experience.

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at WPI (https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/mechanical-materials-engineering) has 27 dual-mission faculty, 9 full-time teaching faculty, and 12 research faculty. MME offers undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering to over 1100 students. The department offers graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, and manufacturing engineering to about 200 graduate students. The department's annual externally sponsored research expenditures have exceeded $16M.

WPI RoboticsEngineering Department (www.wpi.edu/+RBE)is the first-of-its-kind department in the nation with a vision to be an exemplary multidisciplinary center of education, research, and innovation in robotics. It isbuilt onan ABET-accredited Robotics Engineering program. RBE counts ~800 undergraduate and graduate students and offers robotics engineering BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees. In 2016 the Robotics Engineering program was awarded the inaugural ABET Innovation Award for its truly interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum.The department has 23 faculty members and 20+ affiliated faculty members. Our faculty has research support from NSF, NIH, AFRL, Army, ONR, NASA, DARPA, and industry funding. We expect the newfaculty member to contribute to the exceptionally close-knit, collaborative, and collegial atmosphere we currently enjoy


WPI's reputation as a rigorous and innovative university rests on the shoulders of its faculty. A highly selective, private technological university and one of the nation's first, WPI believes that when great minds work together, great advances follow. At WPI the boundaries to multidisciplinary collaboration are low - faculty members, students, and other partners work together on the real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. Located one hour west of Boston, the university's campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.
Applications should include curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research interests, and a list of five professional references submitted. This search will remain open until the position is filled. Questions can be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor Zhu Mao, zmao2@wpi.edu.

Compensation: $105,000 - $118,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

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