DARPA ACO Junior Action Officer – Sweet Emotion Program

Amentum•Arlington, VA

3d•$120 - $140

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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)

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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