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Darpa Program Jobs in Lowell, MA (NOW HIRING)

Ayo Semiconductor

Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

Experience working on DARPA or other government-funded R&D programs * Background in integrated photonics, semiconductors, or related hardware domains * Startup or small-team experience Why Ayo * You ...

Ayo Semiconductor

Integrated Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

Experience working on DARPA or other government-funded R&D programs * Background in integrated photonics, semiconductors, or related hardware domains * Startup or small-team experience Why Ayo * You ...

Ayosemi

Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Experience working on DARPA or other government-funded R&D programs * Background in integrated photonics, semiconductors, or related hardware domains * Startup or small-team experience Why Ayo You'll ...

New

Skillcloud HCM

Chief RF Engineer, Space Radar

Boston, MA · On-site

$180 - $200/hr

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 ...

Ayosemi

Integrated Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Experience working on DARPA or other government-funded R&D programs * Background in integrated photonics, semiconductors, or related hardware domains * Startup or small-team experience Why Ayo You'll ...

New

Ayosemi

Electro-Optic Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Experience working on DARPA or other government-funded R&D programs * Background in integrated photonics, semiconductors, or related hardware domains * Startup or small-team experience Why Ayo You'll ...

New

STR

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Woburn, MA

$174K - $225K/yr

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 ...

Skillcloud HCM

Chief RF Engineer, Space Radar

Boston, MA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Skillcloud HCM

Chief RF Engineer, Space Radar

Boston, MA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Textron

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

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 ...

Textron

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

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 ...

Textron

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

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 ...

MACOM

Technical Project Manager

Lowell, MA · On-site

$125 - $202/hr

Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree and 12+ years of technical program/project management experience, experience with government agencies such as DARPA, ONR, AFRL, ARL, FAA, NOAA, OUSD(R&E ...

Galois, Inc.

Principal Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

Textron

Director, Advanced Materials

Wilmington, MA · On-site

... 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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDarpa Program JobsDarpa Program Jobs in Lowell, MA

Darpa Program information

See Lowell, MA salary details

$21.3K

$45.3K

$62.5K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Lowell, MA is $45,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $47,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Darpa Program jobs in Lowell, MA?

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

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

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

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

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

Darpa Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Darpa Program job openings in Lowell, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 58% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,345 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Systems Lead

Ayo Semiconductor

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Ayo

Ayo is a venture-backed early-stage startup that will radically redefine how humanity performs compute for AI. Our photonic processors will provide orders of magnitude improvement in speed and power efficiency in comparison to conventional digital compute platforms by taking advantage of the natural parallelism, speed and energy efficiency of light.

The Role

We are seeking a Systems Lead to join Ayo as a core member of our engineering team. You will sit at the intersection of our integrated photonics, integrated electronics, hardware, and AI teams, making sure the pieces come together into working prototypes and products. You will drive the technical rigor behind our system-level models and simulations, and serve as a key technical and programmatic point of contact for commercial and government customer interactions. This is a high-visibility role for someone who wants to own outcomes across disciplines, not just execute within one.

What You'll Do

  • Coordinate across the integrated photonics, integrated electronics, hardware, and AI teams to keep system-level interfaces, timelines, and technical dependencies aligned

  • Drive cross-team projects from kickoff through completion, identifying and resolving technical and organizational bottlenecks

  • Make sure the engineering teams are collecting the right data and building the models and simulations needed to validate system-level performance

  • Serve as a primary technical and programmatic point of contact for government and commercial customers, including preparing progress reports, technical briefings, and program review decks

  • Support new business activities including writing proposals for government and commercial customers

  • Translate system-level requirements into scoped technical work across teams

  • Build and communicate milestone-based program execution plans, including scheduling, resource management, and risk management

  • Track project milestones, technical risks, and dependencies at the system level

What We're Looking For

  • Both deep and broad technical experience spanning multiple engineering disciplines in a hardware or deep-tech environment.

  • Must have prior experience with photonic systems

  • Comfortable engaging deeply with technical work you did not personally design, and asking the right questions to keep it on track

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing technical reports and stakeholder-facing presentations

  • Experience with systems engineering practices such as requirements definition, verification planning, or cross-team technical coordination

  • Experience building system-level models or simulations

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working on DARPA or other government-funded R&D programs

  • Background in integrated photonics, semiconductors, or related hardware domains

  • Startup or small-team experience

Why Ayo

  • You'll be a foundational hire connecting our technical teams to our external stakeholders, shaping how the company communicates progress and how our subsystems come together.

  • We are working on a genuinely hard and interesting problem: unseating the GPU as the dominant AI compute platform.

  • Early-stage means real ownership, real impact, and meaningful equity.

  • Competitive salary. Equity commensurate with stage and seniority. Benefits package including health, dental, and vision.

  • Fully onsite in Boston. We are a collaborative, in-person team.