Careers

Openings

DARPA is a pivotal institution within the U.S. Department of Defense, renowned for its cutting-edge research and development endeavors. If you’re seeking to be a part of this innovative hub, most federal openings with DARPA are conveniently listed on USAJobs, the official job site of the United States Federal Government. This centralized platform provides a comprehensive view of available positions, making it easier for potential candidates to explore and apply for opportunities within DARPA’s dynamic environment.

Current government opportunities:

Potential Program Manager applicants should visit our recruitment information page to learn more. Applicants interested in non-technical or administrative positions at DARPA should visit USAJobs.gov to view current vacancies.

DARPA does not currently offer internships. DARPA does run the Service Chiefs Fellows Program (SCFP), which was established to immerse outstanding military officers and government civilians into imaginative and innovative, fast-paced science and technology research. This three-month fellowship provides participants with insights into cutting-edge technology while potentially facilitating the development of future DARPA technologies. For more information, visit: https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/for-government-and-Military/service-chiefs

Contractor opportunities include:

DARPA has numerous contracts to fulfill non-personal services requirements for the Agency’s technical and support offices and greatly values the contractor personnel that support its mission. The following are the prime contractors supporting each technical/support office as of August 7, 2024:

DARPA Program Managers

DARPA Program Managers are entrusted with unparalleled freedom to design new technical initiatives with relevance to the needs of our warfighters, and serve as thought leaders among world-class researchers from academia, industry, and government. A successful Program Manager utilizes their exceptional imagination and proven expertise to create revolutionary ideas and breakthrough technologies.

Qualified individuals typically join as experienced professionals from academic labs, government R&D, or the corporate sector ready to immediately leverage their deep technical knowledge and professional networks to drive the creation of new programs. They work with R&D communities and stakeholders to establish the rigorous and aggressive program goals (including detailed technical milestones and other program activities) needed to manage a portfolio of sophisticated R&D projects.
 

How to Apply

Highly-qualified candidates should submit:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Preliminary proposal of a new DARPA program concept

Please use the Heilmeier Questions, also known as the Heilmeier Catechism, to structure your submission. These questions provide future DARPA Program Managers with high-level guidance on what information should be included in their proposals, and equip prospective Program Managers to communicate what they hope to accomplish with their program. Potential candidates should be familiar with DARPA’s current research thrusts across its technical offices to understand where your expertise may align with the Agency. DARPA will contact candidates of interest for an initial interview.

Program Manager applicants should provide packages via the submissions page. Submissions containing classified information will not be considered.

Program Manager positions are term-limited to ensure a constant infusion of fresh thinking and new perspectives.

As DARPA is part of the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. citizenship is required for employment. Selected candidates for all positions will be required to undergo a thorough background investigation.