DARPA Junior Action Officer Jobs

Job Title

Action Officer

Arlington, VA

Top Secret Polygraph

$125,000 - $150,000

The Action Officer will provide direct, high-level support to a DARPA Program Director managing a portfolio of exceptionally high-dollar, high-visibility research and development programs. This role requires a highly organized, analytically strong professional capable of operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with significant executive exposure. The employee will serve as a critical integrator across technical, financial, acquisition, and operational domains to ensure program success, compliance, and strategic alignment, while also performing critical executive support functions to maximize the Program Director's effectiveness and time.

• Serve as the principal coordination point for all programmatic actions on behalf of the Program Director
• Track, manage, and reconcile large-scale program funding (often exceeding hundreds of millions to billions of dollars) across multiple appropriations and fiscal years
• Prepare, review, and staff acquisition documentation, funding actions, and executive correspondence
• Ensure compliance with Department of Defense financial management regulations, acquisition policies, and audit requirements
• Develop and maintain detailed program trackers, dashboards, and status reports for senior leadership
• Coordinate with contracting officers, financial managers, technical performers, and external stakeholders
• Support program reviews, briefings, and Congressional or senior DoD engagements
• Identify risks, issues, and bottlenecks; propose actionable mitigation strategies
• Draft decision memos, talking points, and strategic communications for senior leadership
• Manage sensitive and classified information in accordance with security protocols

• Manage the Program Director's calendar, priorities, and daily schedule in a high-tempo, high-demand environment
• Coordinate and deconflict meetings, secure facilities, and classified spaces as required
• Prepare briefing materials, read-ahead packages, and executive summaries for meetings and engagements
• Serve as gatekeeper for taskings, ensuring proper prioritization and timely execution
• Track suspense items, action items, and deliverables across multiple stakeholders and ensure follow-through
• Coordinate domestic and international travel, including itineraries, clearances, and country-specific requirements
• Draft, review, and route correspondence, emails, and official communications on behalf of the Program Director
• Facilitate communication between the Program Director and internal/external stakeholders, including senior DoD leadership
• Maintain organized records, files, and documentation in accordance with records management and security requirements
• Anticipate executive needs and proactively resolve scheduling, administrative, or operational conflicts

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Public Administration, Arts, or related field
• 2-5+ years of experience supporting DoD programs, acquisitions, executive leadership in a company, or financial management
• Strong familiarity with DoD administrative processes, task management systems, and correspondence protocols
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate independently and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefing experience
• Active Top Secret (SCI eligible)
• Familiarity with advanced technology programs (AI, cyber, autonomy, space, or emerging tech)
• Demonstrated excellence in executive scheduling, task management, and front office operations
• Strategic thinking and executive-level judgment
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information
• Cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management
• Superior organizational and time-management skills
• Proactive problem-solving and anticipation of leadership needs

• 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.