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Acquisition Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

This role requires extensive expertise in government weapon systems acquisition, program management, strategic planning, and program integration to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems ...

Arenatechnologies

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190 - $230/hr

Knowledgeable and experienced with DoD 5000.01, DoD 5000.02, DoD issuances governing acquisition ... Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification #J-18808-Ljbffr

New

Rivet

Senior Acquisition Management Analyst

San Diego, CA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

Plans shall be developed in accordance with format requirements in the Acquisition Support Office Program Manager's Handbook. Key Responsibilities: Provide recommendations on life cycle support ...

Autodesk

PPL M&A Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

PPL M&A Program Manager The PPL M&A Program Manager plays a key role in supporting Autodesk's growth strategy by contributing to the people-related aspects of mergers and acquisitions. As part of the ...

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Acquisition Program Manager information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$85.7K

$148K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in California is $85,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acquisition program manager?

Acquisition Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement and lifecycle of products, services, or systems within an organization, often in government or defense sectors. They coordinate project timelines, budgets, and requirements to ensure successful delivery and compliance with regulations. Their role involves working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and mitigating risks throughout the acquisition process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquisition program manager?

To thrive as an Acquisition Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with acquisition management systems, federal contracting tools, and certifications like DAWIA or PMP are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities help build consensus among stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure successful program delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of resources in acquisition environments.

What are some common challenges acquisition program managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Acquisition Program Managers often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including engineers, finance specialists, and contract officers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Balancing the needs of various departments while ensuring program timelines and budgets are met requires strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to shifting requirements and regulatory changes is a frequent challenge, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving important qualities for success in the role.

What is the difference between Acquisition Program Manager vs Contract Specialist?

AspectAcquisition Program ManagerContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, often with contracting certifications like FAC-C or DAWIA
Work EnvironmentOversees large acquisition projects, collaborates with multiple teamsFocuses on contract development, negotiation, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense, aerospaceGovernment agencies, defense, federal contracting
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in acquisitionsUnderstanding contract management roles in acquisitions

The Acquisition Program Manager and Contract Specialist roles both operate within government and defense sectors, but the Program Manager oversees entire acquisition projects, while the Contract Specialist focuses on contract details and compliance. Both require related certifications and work environments, making them common points of comparison for professionals in procurement and acquisition fields.

What are popular job titles related to Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California?

For Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Acquisition Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Acquisition Program Manager job openings:

Acquisition Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisition Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,665 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Program Manager

SAIC

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the Government Program Manager in guiding acquisition strategies, program schedules, resource allocation, contracting actions, and budgeting.

  • Oversee all aspects of program execution, including delivery milestones, risk management, testing, system integration, and contractor management.

  • Drive cross-functional communication to ensure seamless integration of government and contractor teams across space, ground, and communication segments.

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC's Horizon 2 program is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Program Manager to lead a complex systems acquisition and perform project management within the Space Combat Power systems portfolio. This role requires extensive expertise in government weapon systems acquisition, program management, strategic planning, and program integration to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). This position is located in El Segundo, CA.
You will serve as a critical embedded member of the Government applying advanced project management principles to shape and deliver the next generation capability. The role emphasizes leveraging tailored, rapid acquisition frameworks while integrating space, ground, and mission segments. Your management expertise will be instrumental in driving program planning, risk mitigation, financial oversight, and execution excellence in alignment with the evolving Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) philosophy.
Fun stuff you will do on the job:
  • Support the Government Program Manager guiding acquisition strategies, program schedules, resource allocation, contracting actions, and budgeting to align with mission objectives and priorities.
  • Oversee all aspects of program execution, including delivery milestones, risk management, testing, system integration, and contractor management.
  • Drive cross-functional communication to ensure seamless integration of government and contractor teams across space, ground, and communication segments.
  • Organize and execute periodic technical interchange meetings (TIMs) and staff meetings to track progress, identify risks, and course-correct as necessary.
  • Apply advanced configuration and change management practices to ensure consistency and traceability across all program artifacts, including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Performance Goals, and milestones.
  • Evaluate contractor system designs and milestone reviews, providing timely assessments of technical progress, risks, and the ability to achieve mission requirements.
  • Manage independent technical and programmatic reviews to validate system effectiveness.
  • Provide expert guidance on funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures, ensuring effective utilization of resources with a focus on on-time project delivery.
  • Advocate for deliberate risk-taking, speed in delivery execution, and adherence to the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) for rapid capability fielding.

Qualifications
This is you:
  • Bachelors and fifteen (15) years or more of related experience; Masters and thirteen (13) years or more experience.
  • Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in the Continuous Evaluation program (if applicable).
  • Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartment Information and Special Access Programs and willing to consent to a Polygraph examination.
  • Program Management or leadership experience on complex systems.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in the Aerospace or DoD working across space, ground segment organizations to coordinate and identify system integration requirements that ensure end-to-end mission performance requirements are met.
  • Experience serving as a team, project or program manager on performance-based contracts for the U.S. Government, experience developing cost and schedule deliverables and managing to baseline costs and schedules to include the identification and management of risks, demonstrated experience working with Air Force/DoD customers in an acquisition environment, with space and/or ground systems.
  • Experience writing and delivering documents and briefings.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills to enable working, interfacing, and interrelating with diverse personnel and dynamic teams.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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