1

Darpa Program Jobs in Lowell, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$139K - $180K/yr

Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: The SAAM group is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 7, 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 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 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:
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.

Principal Research Scientist with Security Clearance

Peraton

Bedford, NH • On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services


Job description

About Peraton Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure. About The Role Peraton Labs is seeking a self-motivated Principal Research Scientist with a passion for developing solutions for problems in the field of cybersecurity across a variety of domains. You will lead or work with a team of research scientists to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate solutions to challenging research problems. Your work will involve defining research programs, developing innovative concepts and approaches to solving different problems in cybersecurity, and providing direction and vision for the team. An important aspect of this position is the ability to clearly articulate research directions that will solve a broad range of customer problems by providing cutting-edge solutions. Peraton Labs performs basic, applied, and advanced research for a variety of customers. Your role will involve interacting with customers to understand their needs, pitching new ideas and presenting research results to new and existing customers, developing proposals that address customer needs, and providing leadership for executing research programs. The ideal candidate will therefore have substantial experience in the above tasks, along with the ability to delve deep into the relevant technologies and provide leadership in developing and delivering prototype solutions. An important component of Peraton Labs' work involves design and prototyping of software to prove out technical concepts; you should therefore have strong software development skills and be willing to learn new skills and technologies as needed to develop cutting-edge solutions based on customer needs. Qualifications Requirements A successful candidate will have a body of research and potential publications in the areas mentioned within this posting, and experience in hands-on development of research solutions. * Minimum of 10 years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science or related area
* Strong research background and development experience in cybersecurity, networking, communications, hardware or systems problems
* Hands-on experience with relevant AI technologies, models, and tools, including state of the art modeling techniques such as transformers, feature engineering and modeling, development of deep neural networks with modern tools, such as PyTorch or Tensorflow, etc
* Strong communication and presentation skills
* Ability and desire to quickly acquire knowledge of new subject matter areas
* Experience in technical marketing, business development and writing winning proposals for R&D opportunities with DoD/IC/other Government customers, such as DARPA, IARPA, ARL, AFRL, etc.
* Experience in leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator * US Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI is required
Details Target Salary Range: $176,000 - $282,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits. Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Peraton logo

About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017