ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Darpa Program Jobs in Methuen, MA (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Program Mgr I

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $221K/yr

As a Program Manager, you will support programs for the FAST Labs™ business area headquartered in Merrimack, NH where our primary customers are DARPA and other government labs. This position ...

Peraton

Principal Research Scientist

Bedford, NH · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Your work will involve defining research programs, developing innovative concepts and approaches to ... Experience in leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator * US Citizenship with the ...

Peraton

Principal Research Scientist

Bedford, NH · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Your work will involve defining research programs, developing innovative concepts and approaches to ... Experience in leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator * US Citizenship with the ...

Peraton

Principal Research Scientist

Bedford, NH · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Your work will involve defining research programs, developing innovative concepts and approaches to ... Experience in leading DARPA or similar projects as Principal Investigator * US Citizenship with the ...

STR

Biotechnology Principal Investigator

Woburn, MA · On-site

$220K - $280K/yr

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 ...

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

Electro-Optic 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 ...

STR

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDarpa Program JobsDarpa Program Jobs in Methuen, MA

Darpa Program information

See Methuen, MA salary details

$22.5K

$47.8K

$65.9K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Methuen, MA is $47,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $49,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Darpa Program jobs in Methuen, MA?

The most popular types of Darpa Program jobs in Methuen, MA are:

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

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

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

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

Darpa Program jobs near you

Senior Program Manager (Defense)

Irradiant Technologies

Waltham, MA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
We are hiring an experienced Program Manager to lead execution of our defense programs. You will own day-to-day delivery across our DARPA and ARL contracts; coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, owning the customer relationship, and making sure we ship technical milestones on time and on budget. You will also partner closely with our leadership and business development team to shape and win new defense contracts. This role is central to our growth and reports to the VP of Engineering.
What you'll be doing
  • Own program delivery. Lead planning, scheduling, risk management, and execution across multiple concurrent defense programs, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance targets are met.
  • Direct engineering teams. Direct cross-functional teams of optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers - setting priorities, removing blockers, and keeping the team aligned to milestones.
  • Run the customer relationship. Serve as the primary point of contact for DARPA, ARL, and other DoD customers and primes; lead program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and formal deliverable submissions.
  • Manage contracts and compliance. Oversee SOW execution, modifications, deliverables (CDRLs), and reporting in coordination with Contracts and Finance; ensure adherence to FAR/DFARS, DCAA-compliant timekeeping, and applicable export control requirements.
  • Support new business. Partner with BD and technical leads on capture strategy, teaming, color team reviews, cost narratives, and authoring the management and execution sections of proposals for SBIR/STTR, BAA, OTA, and prime-sub opportunities.
  • Build the PM function. Establish the tooling, templates, and cadence (EVM-lite, risk registers, integrated schedules) that scale as we grow the program portfolio through Series A.
What experience you'll need
  • 10+ years of project or program management experience in a defense, aerospace, or deep-tech environment, with direct ownership of government-funded R&D programs.
  • Demonstrated success delivering on DARPA, service research lab (ARL, AFRL, ONR, NRL), or equivalent DoD contracts - including running program reviews and customer-facing milestones.
  • Proven experience leading engineering teams in a hardware or photonics/optics environment; comfort operating at the intersection of technical depth and program mechanics.
  • Hands-on experience supporting business development and proposal preparation - writing management volumes, building integrated master schedules, and partnering with technical PIs.
  • Working fluency with FAR/DFARS, CDRLs, DCAA-compliant cost accounting, and export control (ITAR/EAR) in a startup or small-business setting.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field is advantageous.

Desirable:
  • Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance.
  • Prior experience at a Series A / early-stage defense or deep-tech startup.
  • Direct experience with nano-optics, photonics, freeform optics, metasurfaces, or EO/IR systems.
  • Experience authoring or leading winning SBIR Phase II, STRATFI/TACFI, or OTA proposals.
  • Experience with ASANA as a project management tool.
  • Experience with leading and participating in color team reviews.

Company Overview
Irradiant Technologies is pioneering the future of nano-optics and photonics with our proprietary 3D nanofabrication platform. Our technology enables the creation of optical components with geometries and refractive index profiles previously unattainable, opening doors to entirely new classes of photonic devices. By redefining what is possible in optical design and manufacturing, we are accelerating innovations in sensing, communication, imaging, display, and computation. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, we are a 30-person team of scientists and engineers delivering on active DARPA and U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) contracts. In 2025, we reached >$10M in revenue, and we are currently raising a Series A to scale our platform and program portfolio.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $170,000+ (depending on experience), as well as equity. We are committed to equitable compensation across our company. We offer 401(k), multiple healthcare schemes and an annual reimbursement, to give our employees greater flexibility with the benefits that meet their needs. We offer four weeks of PTO, plus 10 public holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination or harassment. We encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.
Team Research & Engineering Locations HQ Yearly salary $130,000 - $170,000 Employment type Full-time

Apply