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Darpa Program Jobs in Stanton, CA (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Program Manager- ML

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K/yr

About the Role Our Perception & AI/ML organization runs several research and engineering programs ... in DARPA challenge segments. Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution We are looking for builders ...

... a program support context. * MS technical degree * PMP certification * Experience interacting and leading projects with various DoD stakeholders, not limited to the US Army, USSOCOM, DARPA

Project Manager - Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

... a program support context. * MS technical degree * PMP certification * Experience interacting and leading projects with various DoD stakeholders, not limited to the US Army, USSOCOM, DARPA

Project Manager - Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

... a program support context. * MS technical degree * PMP certification * Experience interacting and leading projects with various DoD stakeholders, not limited to the US Army, USSOCOM, DARPA

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Darpa Program information

See Stanton, CA salary details

$22.2K

$47.2K

$65.1K

How much do darpa program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa program in Stanton, CA is $47,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $49,100.00 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 job categories do people searching Darpa Program jobs in Stanton, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Darpa Program jobs in Stanton, CA are:

What cities near Stanton, CA are hiring for Darpa Program jobs?

Cities near Stanton, CA with the most Darpa Program job openings:

Infographic showing various Darpa Program job openings in Stanton, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,227 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA

USC Gould School of Law
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Job description

Responsibilities

Theory

  • Quantum transport modeling using NEGF; first-principles materials and interface calculations using DFT (VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or equivalent).
  • Atomistic spin dynamics or micromagnetic simulation (e.g., Vampire, OOMMF, MuMax3); extraction of compact device models from first-principles results.

Experiment

  • End-to-end device fabrication: e-beam lithography, metallization, lift-off, thin-film deposition, and etch.
  • Integration of heterogeneous material stacks supplied by collaborators into working device structures.
  • Electrical and magnetic characterization, including cryogenic transport, FMR, and high-frequency lock-in measurements.

Program role

  • Design and lead validation experiments at the major program decision gates, co-author theory and experimental publications, and contribute to the patent portfolio.

Qualifications

Required

  • PhD (awarded or imminent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated competence in both a computational technique (NEGF, DFT, micromagnetics, atomistic spin dynamics, or equivalent) and an experimental technique (device fabrication, transport, FMR, magneto-optics, or thin-film characterization).
  • Strong publication record.

Preferred

  • Prior experience with spintronic materials or beyond-CMOS device platforms.
  • Familiarity with MATLAB or the Python scientific stack.
  • Prior involvement in multi-PI collaborations or government-funded programs.

What the Program Offers

Competitive salary commensurate with experience (USC postdoc / USC-ISI graduate research assistant scales). Access to USC-ISI cleanroom facilities, the broader USC research ecosystem, and fabrication routing through the CA DREAMS Microelectronics Commons Hub. Direct involvement in a high-visibility DARPA program with clear paths to first-author publications and a position in a growing patent portfolio. The successful candidate will interact regularly with senior faculty at partner institutions. Detailed technical scope will be discussed during the interview. The initial appointment is for 18 months, renewable for up to 36 months subject to performance and program funding.

To Apply

CV including publication list A one-page statement describing your prior research and your interest in the program - please indicate explicitly which theoretical and experimental techniques you bring Names and contact information for three references PDF of one representative publication

Email your CV, cover letter, and relevant publications to Ajey Jacob at ajey@isi.edu.

The Application Specific Intelligent Computing Lab at the USC Information Sciences Institute (USC-ISI) is recruiting to join a beyond-CMOS spintronics program - a 36-month, multi-institution DARPA-funded effort to develop a three-terminal beyond-CMOS digital logic switch based on spintronic elements.
The successful candidate will take technical leadership on device physics and device integration, working across theory and experiment within a multi-PI team spanning USC-ISI and partner institutions.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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