Pros
DARPA is an amazing place to work. There is probably no other organization that is such a powerful magnet for remarkable ideas and people from all over the country. Because DARPA is relatively small (on the order of 100 program managers) and has such a large budget (about $3 billion/year) every program manager has remarkable scope for action and impact. Being a program manager is a once-in-a-lifetime professional opportunity. It is also an opportunity for truly meaningful national service.
Cons
Because DARPA program managers sign on for specific, limited terms (usually 4 or 6 years), there is a sense that the clock is ticking all the time. This is exhilarating but can lead to overwork. The biggest downside is that it is very hard to relocate families for such a short period of time. Between the travel, work intensity, and relocation I would not say that being a DARPA PM is a family-friendly career option. On the positive side, program managers are fortunate in being able draw on the support of exceptionally competent people within DARPA's SETA organizations, and that makes a world of difference.
