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Darpa Program Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Program Manager - BTO

Arlington, VA · On-site

Everforth ECS is seeking a Program Manager - DARPA BTO SETA Support to work onsite in our Arlington, VA office. Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award. ECS is pursuing a ...

ECS

Functional Expert II

Arlington, VA · On-site

The successful candidate will support a DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program-funded test ...

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Darpa Program information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$22.2K

$47.3K

$65.1K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Silver Spring, MD is $47,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,800.00 and $49,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DARPA Program Manager, 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 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 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 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.

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Darpa Program jobs near you
Scheduler - DARPA Program Support, TS/SCI

Scheduler - DARPA Program Support, TS/SCI

Blue Sky Innovators

Arlington, VA

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Scheduler provides highimpact program support to DARPA by building, maintaining, and optimizing complex project schedules that drive technical execution. This role is ideal for someone who is exceptionally fluent in Microsoft Project, understands how to translate technical program plans into actionable timelines, and can manage dynamic, fastmoving schedules with precision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain, and optimize detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) in Microsoft Project for DARPA program managers.
  • Build and manage task dependencies, critical paths, resource allocations, and milestone tracking within Microsoft Project.
  • Conduct schedule health assessments and provide datadriven insights to program leadership.
  • Coordinate with performers, contractors, and internal teams to gather schedule inputs and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.
  • Run recurring schedule reviews, update cycles, and whatif analyses to support program decisionmaking.
  • Translate technical program plans, statements of work, and performer deliverables into structured, trackable schedules.
  • Prepare schedule reports, Gantt charts, and briefing materials for program reviews and senior leadership.
  • Support planning and execution of program events, including PI meetings, workshops, and technical reviews.
  • Maintain strict adherence to DARPA processes, documentation standards, and security protocols.

Required Qualifications

  • Demonstrated mastery of Microsoft Project, including advanced features such as baselining, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and custom views.
  • Experience developing and maintaining complex schedules in a government, defense, or research environment.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information and convert it into structured schedules.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with diverse technical and administrative stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • TS/SCI Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience supporting DARPA or other DoD research organizations.
  • Familiarity with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and DoD program management frameworks.
  • Experience conducting schedule risk assessments or using complementary tools (e.g., Primavera, Jira, or risk analysis software).

Attributes for Success

  • Operates Microsoft Project with speed, confidence, and creativity - a true "wizard" in the tool.
  • Thrives in environments with shifting priorities and rapid technical evolution.
  • Highly proactive, detailoriented, and able to anticipate scheduling impacts before they occur.
  • Comfortable engaging with scientists, engineers, performers, and senior government leaders.

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