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Darpa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$220K/yr

S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence ...

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$85.5K

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How much do darpa jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for darpa in the United States is $110,439.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at DARPA?

Professionals at DARPA often operate in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where they must manage complex, cutting-edge research projects with ambitious goals and tight deadlines. Navigating diverse teams of scientists, engineers, and external stakeholders requires strong coordination and clear communication. Additionally, balancing innovative thinking with the strict regulations and reporting requirements of government agencies can be demanding. However, these challenges are rewarding for those passionate about advancing technology and making a significant impact on national security and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Darpa position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DARPA Program Manager or professional, you need a deep expertise in science, engineering, or technology, along with advanced degrees and significant experience in research and development. Familiarity with project management tools, government contracting processes, and defense R&D systems such as BAA or SBIR is essential. Outstanding leadership, communication, and strategic vision are critical soft skills for guiding interdisciplinary teams and championing high-impact projects. These qualifications are crucial to effectively drive innovation and manage breakthrough research in a demanding government environment.

What is a DARPA job?

A DARPA job typically involves working for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a U.S. government agency responsible for developing emerging technologies for national security. Employees at DARPA include scientists, engineers, program managers, and analysts who work on cutting-edge research in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and defense innovation. These roles often require advanced technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to manage high-risk, high-reward projects.

More about Darpa jobs
What cities are hiring for Darpa jobs? Cities with the most Darpa job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Darpa jobs? The most popular types of Darpa jobs are:
What states have the most Darpa jobs? States with the most job openings for Darpa jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Darpa jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Darpa jobs are:
Infographic showing various Darpa job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,439 per year, or $53.1 per hour.
DARPA TTO Satellite Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) Lead

DARPA TTO Satellite Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) Lead

Pae

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

$150K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.

Amentum is seeking a mid- to senior-level engineer / scientist with experience in satellite assembly, integration & test (AI&T) across the full program lifecycle. The preferred work location will be on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington VA), however, arrangements for some degree of hybrid work may be possible. Up to 25% of local and periodic travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico will be required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Support a Government program manager (PM) with technical oversight of very low earth orbit (VLEO)satellite technology development
  • Serve as an AI&T subject matter expert (SME) and/or co-lead on government team AI&T Integrated Product Team (IPT)
  • Provide technical oversight and management of AI&T activities across full program lifecycle
  • Perform the assessment and implementation of best practices for satellite manufacturing processes and quality assurance
  • Support Government PMs in developing additional space-based program concepts and efforts
  • Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews
  • Support program experimentation and testing efforts, to include providing inputs to the preparation of experiment / test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, test ranges, and test facilities
  • Author program briefings and technical reports
  • Provide overarching support to program to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting PowerPoint charts and memorandums for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree or higher in scientific or technological discipline and at-least 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Must have an active US Government Secret Security Clearance. Please note US Citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • Demonstrated experience with satellite AI&T, specifically management and execution of AI&T activities across full program lifecycle
  • Familiarity with satellite manufacturing and quality assurance best practices
  • Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work independently or in a team setting as circumstances dictate

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master of Science degree in a relevant scientific or technological discipline
  • Active US Government Top Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain SCI access
  • Prior experience working with Kirtland AFB and familiarity with associated integration and satellite bus ground testing facilities

Compensation and Benefits:

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $150k-$220k annually (salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of applicant internal equity, and alignment with market data).

About DARPA's Tactical Technology Office (TTO):

The mission of DARPA's TTO is to reimagine every aspect of military hardware design, development, test, manufacture, and sustainment - with a focus on rapid, affordable, and scalable deployment - to create and prevent technological surprise. TTO's goal is to demonstrate compelling hardware at the smallest scale that traces to disruptive capability, with designs that reduce risk and cost by managing complexity and can be manufactured responsively and affordably. Additional information on TTO is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/tto.

Compensation Details:

$150k-$220k

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

03/13/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.