Program Managers are the heart of DARPA, and we select them to be technically
outstanding and entrepreneurial. DARPA Program Managers
work with the best and brightest people in the world
to develop and demonstrate leading-edge technologies
for the Department of Defense.
Throughout DARPA’s 50 year history, the most successful Program Managers have
been freewheeling innovators who are passionately committed
to their programs’ goals, and fearless in pursuing them.
DARPA Program Managers have said their time at the Agency
was an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Some say it’s
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
There are many reasons for
these attitudes, but key is DARPA’s culture of accomplishment.
DARPA is not constrained by conventional thinking, and
powerful ideas always get funded.
Speed matters at DARPA. Program Managers are hired for only four to six years, and there’s
no time to waste. The Agency is small and flexible, and
enjoys substantial autonomy and freedom from bureaucratic
impediments, which gives Program Managers the latitude
they need to focus on the substance of their work rather
than administering it.
From their first day at DARPA, Program Managers are
given the responsibility, flexibility, and support
to quickly
put ideas into action and aim to accomplish great advances
in science and technology.
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