DARPA ACO Junior Action Officer – Sweet Emotion Program

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.

Key Responsibilities

Programmatic & Action Officer Duties:

• 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

Executive Assistant Functions:

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with advanced technology programs (AI, cyber, autonomy, space, or emerging tech)

• Demonstrated excellence in executive scheduling, task management, and front office operations

Key Competencies

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

       

Compensation Details:

$120-$140K

       

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:

04/13/2026 - 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 at Labor Laws Posters.