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Aviation Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apogee Engineering, LLC

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

$173K - $250K/yr

Apogee is recruiting for Program Managers to support a proposal effort on Space Systems Command ... aviation, maritime, and ground-mounted and dismounted users and fixed sites. Additionally, the ...

Apogee Engineering, LLC

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

$173K - $250K/yr

Overview Apogee is recruiting for Program Managers to support a proposal effort on Space Systems ... aviation, maritime, and ground-mounted and dismounted users and fixed sites. Additionally, the ...

Apogee Engineering, LLC

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$173K - $250K/yr

Overview Apogee is recruiting for Program Managers to support a proposal effort on Space Systems ... aviation, maritime, and ground-mounted and dismounted users and fixed sites. Additionally, the ...

Joby Aviation

Technical Program Manager

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$118K - $185K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate Technical Program Manager to lead and support projects and initiatives for our battery system, helping to drive them through our final test and certification ...

Joby Aviation

Technical Program Manager

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$118K - $185K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate Technical Program Manager to lead and support projects and initiatives for our battery system, helping to drive them through our final test and ...

Joby Aviation

Technical Program Manager

San Carlos, CA

$118K - $185K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate Technical Program Manager to lead and support projects and initiatives for our battery system, helping to drive them through our final test and ...

Joby Aviation

NPI Program Manager, Aircraft

Marina, CA · On-site

$149K - $185K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is building an industry-defining aircraft - and bringing it to market requires an industry-defining approach to new vehicle introduction. We are looking for a Program Manager ...

Joby Aviation

NPI Program Manager, Aircraft

Marina, CA

$149K - $185K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is building an industry-defining aircraft - and bringing it to market requires an industry-defining approach to new vehicle introduction. We are looking for a Program Manager ...

Ontic

Program Manager

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

Ontic is a leading global aerospace OEM trusted by the world's aviation leaders. Ontic's Chatsworth ... Our team is looking for a Program Manager to join them. You will report to the Value Stream Lead ...

Ontic

Program Manager

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

Ontic is a leading global aerospace OEM trusted by the world's aviation leaders. Ontic's Chatsworth ... Our team is looking for a Program Manager to join them. You will report to the Value Stream Lead ...

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All JobsAviation Program JobsAviation Program Manager JobsAviation Program Manager Jobs in California

Aviation Program Manager information

See California salary details

$63.2K

$94.4K

$127.3K

How much do aviation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation program manager in California is $94,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $99,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Aviation Program Manager Do?

An aviation program manager is supposed to plan projects, assess the cost and schedule, find solutions to engineering problems, and oversee the project from beginning until final delivery. Your duties as an aviation program manager require you to understand many different aspects of aviation and aerospace engineering. You must also be well-versed in the business and revenue side of aviation, as well as the regulations around air transport. As a program manager, your responsibilities also include recruiting teams for projects, managing deadlines and schedules, reviewing technical specifications, and ensuring that your team finishes the deliverables on time.

What are Aviation Program Managers?

Aviation Program Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing aviation-related projects or programs within organizations such as airports, airlines, or government agencies. Their duties often include managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating teams, and achieving project milestones. They play a critical role in ensuring that aviation operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently, often acting as the link between technical teams, management, and stakeholders. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Aviation Program Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Aviation Program Managers often encounter challenges such as managing complex stakeholder expectations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating cross-functional teams on tight deadlines. To address these, effective communication, proactive risk management, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aviation regulations are essential. Building strong relationships with regulatory agencies and fostering a collaborative team environment can also help navigate these challenges smoothly.

What is the difference between Aviation Program Manager vs Aviation Project Coordinator?

AspectAviation Program ManagerAviation Project Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering, or related field; certifications like PMP or FAA licenses are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are less common but may include project management or aviation safety
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and programs within airlines, airports, or aerospace companiesSupports specific projects, coordinating tasks and schedules within larger programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, aerospace firms, and government agencies managing large-scale aviation initiativesFound in similar settings, focusing on supporting project execution in aviation organizations

The Aviation Program Manager focuses on overseeing multiple aviation projects and strategic initiatives, requiring broader management skills. In contrast, the Aviation Project Coordinator handles specific project tasks, supporting the program's success. Both roles are essential in aviation organizations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aviation Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, aviation regulations, and operations, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Familiarity with aviation management software, risk assessment tools, and compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help coordinate teams and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of aviation programs in a highly regulated and dynamic environment.
More about Aviation Program Manager jobs
What are popular job titles related to Aviation Program Manager jobs in California? For Aviation Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aviation Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aviation Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Aviation Program Manager job openings:
Aviation Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Program Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $94,443 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Technical Program Manager, Propulsion

Technical Program Manager, Propulsion

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$118K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview
Joby Aviation is seeking a Technical Program Manager who is a highly organized, passionate individual with excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills. This position will be based in our Santa Cruz headquarters, and will actively work with a cross functional team at Joby Aviation, including propulsion and propeller engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, integration and
test, certification, and more. This role will operate in a fast-paced, demanding, and rewarding environment with very high expectations for individual contribution.
Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the propeller and blade design teams to develop and maintain hardware project timelines, from prototype design through manufacturing introduction and aircraft type certification.
  • Plan and prioritize builds from prototype, through validation, and into production.
  • Support bring up of manufacturing lines, including equipment, workcenters, fixtures, and process qualification.
  • Find creative solutions to remove blockers and drive progress through design, build, and test phase.
  • Analyze critical path and constraints to determine the effect of changes to schedule and recommend alternate courses of action or means of recovery on slipped schedules.
  • Develop and maintain periodic status reports to keep management informed on project progress, risks, and mitigations.

Required
  • Bachelor's in engineering or relevant fields
  • 3+ years of experience in an engineering environment with responsibility for implementing or managing change
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Demonstrated experience in the simultaneous management of multiple high-paced engineering projects
  • Demonstrated understanding of the product development cycle for hardware-centric projects from early design through to completion and launch
  • Experience in project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Confluence, and JIRA
  • Proficient in common workplace software (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, etc.)

Desired
  • Experience with aerospace projects and FAA certification process is desired, but not required
  • Experience working with propeller assemblies

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $118,000 - $206,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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