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Darpa Seta Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Darpa Seta information

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$11K

$77.9K

$122K

How much do darpa seta jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa seta in the United States is $77,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working as DARPA SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) contractors, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in DARPA SETA roles often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project priorities, protecting sensitive information, and navigating complex stakeholder relationships. To address these, it's important to stay flexible, maintain strong communication skills, and adhere strictly to security protocols. Collaborating closely with DARPA program managers and other contractors helps ensure alignment with mission objectives and program requirements. Building a strong professional network within the agency can also help in anticipating changes and accessing necessary resources.

What are DARPA SETA contractors?

DARPA SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) contractors are professionals who provide specialized technical expertise, engineering support, and program management assistance to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). They are not government employees but work alongside DARPA staff to help develop, evaluate, and manage cutting-edge research projects. SETA contractors play a crucial role in advising on technology development, ensuring program success, and maintaining the integrity of DARPA’s mission by offering unbiased, objective guidance.

What is the difference between Darpa Seta vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDarpa SetaCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized training in defense projectsCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, classified projectsPrivate companies, government agencies, cybersecurity firms
Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsBroadly in IT, finance, healthcare, and government sectors

Darpa Seta roles focus on defense-related projects requiring security clearances and work within government or military environments. Cybersecurity Analysts work across various industries, focusing on protecting digital assets and networks. While both roles involve security, Darpa Seta is specialized in defense projects, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts have a broader industry application.

What is a DARPA SETA job?

A DARPA SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) job involves providing specialized technical and analytical support to DARPA program managers. SETA contractors are not government employees but work closely with DARPA to assist in managing research programs, evaluating technologies, and ensuring project success. They offer expertise in fields such as engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. SETA personnel help shape cutting-edge innovation while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and agency objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DARPA SETA (Science, Engineering, and Technical Assistance), and why are they important?

To thrive as a DARPA SETA, you need a strong background in science or engineering, typically with an advanced degree and relevant technical expertise. Familiarity with government contracting processes, project management tools, and security clearance requirements is essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help SETAs effectively support program managers and interface with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure that technical advice and project oversight are both rigorous and aligned with DARPA's mission to drive innovation in defense technologies.
What cities are hiring for Darpa Seta jobs? Cities with the most Darpa Seta job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Darpa Seta jobs? The most popular types of Darpa Seta jobs are:
What states have the most Darpa Seta jobs? States with the most job openings for Darpa Seta jobs include:
Infographic showing various Darpa Seta job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,940 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.
We have a near-term need for a Sr. Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture. Will be passionate about advanced R&D with strong communications and presentation skills. The candidate will utilize technical skills to understand the complex problems associated with DARPA programs, while simultaneously providing the necessary management support to execute the day-to-day requirements. Will support periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks; assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Assist with program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, and other program execution operations. Help coordinate performer meetings, assess performer task progress and projected performer outcomes with a program team, and work with a team to ensure project management best practices are followed both at subject performers and within DARPA itself. Support the DARPA PM in strategic analyses, market research, special studies, and road mapping activities for improving planning, processes, and Science and Technology program investments; assist in technology assessments and evaluations. Monitor both the technical and programmatic progress of various performers and keep the program manager abreast of progress through daily communications, monthly reports, and other reports as needed. Assist in preparation and execution of various reviews of programs, gathering technical information and data on progress and accomplishments from the various performers. Liaise with and draft documents for technical PMs, business operations personnel, legal and contractual personnel, and administrative support staff; communicate clearly and effectively complex issues verbally and in writing for senior executive audiences, both inside and outside of (DoD and other agencies representatives) commands. Assist in the planning and execution of conferences, symposia and workshops, steering groups, program reviews, technical meetings, and other events; attend meetings; coordinate with government organizations; organize, coordinate schedules of invitees, host, and coordinate meetings; prepare program presentations. Provide input to draft briefings, and draft letters for the PM, enabling the PM to respond to inquiries related to the relevant programs; prepare briefings, reports, literature reviews, and documents to support the development and approval of new program concepts and technologies.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
  • 10+ years of experience
  • Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCI
  • Interest in technology management, with technical skills to understand the engineering challenges inherent to research efforts and professional desire to support/advise DARPA Program Managers
  • Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Desired:
  • Master's degree or PhD
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • 12+ years of experience providing technical and/or cost analysis
  • 10+ years of experience in a Research and Development organization/role
  • 5+ years of experience working with, and strong relationships within the Department of Defense (DoD)--specifically OSD, USAF, or USN

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience, qualifications, market and business considerations, and pay parity.
Salary transparency pay range: $170K-$220K