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Aviation Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ontic

Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$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 ...

Ontic

Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/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 ...

General Atomics

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

Aviation sustainment background and experience with USAF government acquisition programs, EVMS, and ... Create project plans and manage resources to ensure project schedule, budget, quality, and ...

Matternet

Engineering Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

We're hiring an Engineering Program Manager to be the connective tissue across engineering, quality ... Aviation or other regulated-industry background This is an onsite role on a small team in a fast ...

Matternet

Engineering Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

We're hiring an Engineering Program Manager to be the connective tissue across engineering, quality ... Aviation or other regulated-industry background This is an onsite role on a small team in a fast ...

Matternet

Engineering Program Manager

Mountain View, CA

$160K - $205K/yr

We're hiring an Engineering Program Manager to be the connective tissue across engineering, quality ... Aviation or other regulated-industry background This is an onsite role on a small team in a fast ...

General Atomics

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

Manage all phases of the program from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition ... Military or civilian experience in aviation operations, Intelligence, Surveillance and ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 is an aviation program manager?

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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,443 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Project Engineer - Government Aviation

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Viasat rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 97 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
Viasat's Government Aviation Team is looking for a Project Engineer to help with technical execution of our Government Aviation programs and capture efforts. This will include completing the delivery of currently scoped developments as well as future functionality and enhancements to Internal Research and Development (IRAD) Government Aviation programs, products, and services.
The day-to-day
You'll help shape product vision and strategy by integrating market and customer feedback into a clear roadmap that drives engineering execution and Systems Integration, Engineering, and Test SEIT activities driving the IRAD engineering process.
  • This wide-ranging technical role includes leading design, development, system integration, delivery, and support while driving product vision, roadmap, and requirements strategy, and overseeing SEIT activities not limited to requirements and architecture through integration, verification, validation, and sustainment of IRAD programs which will transition to a customer (external) program.
  • Use or understanding of requirements tools (DOORS/Jama) to decompose requirements, conduct trade studies, manage change impacts, and maintain the technical baseline and configuration control.
  • Use or understanding of technical project executions tools (Jira, tracking spreadsheets) and excellent multi-disciplinary team coordination.
  • Ability to oversee Bill of Material (BOM) development and release processes using the Agile PLM platform, coordinating updates across engineering, production, and supply chain functions.
  • Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary teams; interface with internal customers, partners, and stakeholders on highly technical topics.
  • Represent engineering in System Requirements Review (SRR)/ Preliminary Design Review (PDR)/ Critical Design Review (CDR) and other technical and programmatic level reviews as needed and coordinate formal system-level testing and integration efforts within the System Integration Lab (SIL).
  • Own engineering cost, schedule, and technical performance; lead staffing, budgets, scope; drive risk & opportunity management and technical reporting; and define performance measures and process rigor scaled to project complexity with the understanding of use of internal funding and ensure technical capability meets baseline requirements supporting the customer funded programs.
  • Coordinate with Production and Operations leadership to align schedules, address manufacturing risks, drive readiness for integration and delivery, and ensure execution against program commitments.
  • Comfortable working independently on complex challenges and bringing fresh, creative ideas and new technologies to the table.
  • Experienced in steering integrated internal project teams and navigating stakeholder needs to deliver what's realistically achievable.
  • Serve as engineering focal for proposals and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), collaborating with Program Management on realistic, budget-conscious executable plans that will positively impact overall strategy plan.

What you'll need
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 5+ years' experience in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science), including demonstrated technical leadership experience relevant to satellite communications.
  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills, clear and effective communication, and a track record of collaborating across diverse technical and organizational teams, including internal stakeholders, vendors, subcontractors, and partners.
  • Experience leading SEIT and technical milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR); accountability for engineering cost/schedule/TPMs, risk/opportunity management, program variance (cost, schedule and performance); and working in quick capability release environments.
  • Ability to drive roadmap, strategy, and requirements management to achieve priorities.
  • Strong Systems Engineering background.
  • Understanding or experience with MIL-STD requirements and test methods.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% both CONUS or OCONUS.

What will help you on the job
  • 4+ years of demonstrated experience with satellite communications systems.
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain when administratively feasible.
  • Experience in delivering communications systems for aviation customers, including platform integration.
  • Experience with commonly used communications and electrical test equipment (e.g. Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Power Meter, traffic generator and others).
  • Hands on experience working with SATCOM terminals and communications solutions.
  • Experience with Government standards and requirements, such as; WGS Certification requirements, MIL-STE-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, DO-160, and RMF.

#LI-AF1
Salary range
$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

What Viasat employees say

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ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986

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