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Full Time Darpa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Full Time Darpa information

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$84K

$134.9K

$189.5K

How much do full time darpa jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time darpa in the United States is $134,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time DARPA employee?

A Full Time DARPA employee is an individual who works for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on a full-time basis. DARPA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for military use. Full-time employees at DARPA may include program managers, scientists, engineers, analysts, and administrative staff. They work on innovative research projects that aim to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military. These roles typically require advanced degrees and significant expertise in science, engineering, or technology fields.

What types of projects might I work on in a full-time research role at DARPA, and how does project assignment typically occur?

In a full-time research position at DARPA, you can expect to work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of science and technology, often in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, or advanced materials. Project assignments usually align with your expertise and DARPA's current program needs, and you may be involved in both individual research and interdisciplinary team collaborations. The work environment is fast-paced and highly innovative, with frequent opportunities to propose new research ideas or pivot direction based on emerging priorities. You'll regularly interact with other experts, government agencies, and industry partners, making strong communication and adaptability key to success.

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 advanced expertise in science or engineering, a track record of leading innovative research, and usually a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with project management tools, federal research grant systems, and technical proposal evaluation is essential. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and adaptability are invaluable soft skills for driving high-risk, high-reward projects. These skills ensure the successful conception, execution, and transition of cutting-edge technologies critical to national security.

What is the difference between Full Time Darpa vs Full Time Data Analyst?

AspectFull Time DarpaFull Time Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance, technical expertiseBachelor's degree, analytical skills, proficiency in data tools
Work EnvironmentGovernment research labs, defense projectsCorporate offices, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Defense, research institutionsPrivate companies, government agencies, consulting firms

Full Time Darpa roles focus on advanced research and development in defense technology, often requiring security clearances. Full Time Data Analysts interpret data to support decision-making across various industries. While both roles involve technical skills, Darpa positions are more specialized in defense research, whereas Data Analysts work across multiple sectors.

Is DARPA a good place to work?

Full Time DARPA positions are typically considered challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge research and innovative projects in defense technology. Employees often have access to specialized skills development, security clearances, and a collaborative environment focused on national security advancements.

Is it possible to work at DARPA?

Full Time DARPA positions are available for individuals with backgrounds in science, engineering, or technology, often requiring security clearances and advanced degrees. Applicants typically go through a competitive hiring process that includes background checks and interviews. Working at DARPA involves contributing to innovative research and development projects in national security and technology fields.
More about Full Time Darpa jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Darpa jobs?

The most popular types of Darpa jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Darpa job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,878 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

DARPA - Multi X Office (MXO) Subject Matter Expert

Amentum

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

*** Please note, position is contingent upon award ***
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.
The mission of DARPA's Multi X Office (MXO) is to ensure the U.S.'s continued technological dominance, both militarily and economically. To do this, MXO disrupts how technology is developed and used by applying the physical sciences to deliver novel, mission-relevant capabilities. MXO explores materials at the atomic, molecular, and cellular scales to develop new components, tools, and processes that transform both the future battlespace and tomorrow's economies. MXO focuses on three major thrust areas to enable fundamentally new capabilities: materials and components to expand the foundation, tools and processes for indigenous development, and new modalities to achieve mission effects. Additional information on MXO is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/mxo
*** Please note, position is contingent upon award ***
Amentum is seeking a Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the development and execution of programs and strategy in MXO. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required.
Responsibilities May Include:
  • Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs
  • Providing technical and strategic support and insight to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and government
  • Support in identifying, developing, and implementing new program concepts
  • Providing program management and acquisition support
  • Leveraging knowledge of the full lifecycle of advanced research and development programs, from concept development and requirements definition through prototyping, testing, evaluation, and transition to operational capability
  • Identifying and translating requirements into technology research and development objectives
  • Performing independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses
  • Providing overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings
  • Supporting technical interchange meetings and design reviews
  • Supporting program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, and test facilities
  • Authoring program briefings, technical documentation, and reports

Minimum Requirements:
  • Master of Science degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
  • At least 20 years of relevant experience
  • Active Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education; universally recognized as the expert/authority in a highly specified scientific area
  • The mature judgement required to advise senior government personnel on complex scientific and technical matters
  • Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating work
  • Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline
  • The 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

Highly Desired Attributes:
  • PhD degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
  • Active Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain SCI access. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Experience working with DoD stakeholders, combatant commands, and defense industry partners
  • Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor
  • Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
  • Fifteen (15) years of extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
  • Five (5) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers is highly desirable

Compensation Details:
$175K-$250K, depending upon qualifications and experience
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:
08/28/2026 - 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 at Labor Laws Posters.