1

Engineer Development Program Jobs in San Diego, CA

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including ... and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration. * Ensure ...

Engineer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

These responsibilities can span the entire lifecycle of a new aircraft development program, from ... May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. * Relevant background in the ...

Engineer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

These responsibilities can span the entire lifecycle of a new aircraft development program, from ... D. in Aeronautical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, from an accredited institution ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Engineer Development Program information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$32.9K

$101.7K

$141.2K

How much do engineer development program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer development program in San Diego, CA is $101,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and rotations can participants expect in an engineer development program?

Participants in an Engineer Development Program typically rotate through several departments such as design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management. Each rotation offers hands-on experience with real engineering projects, giving you exposure to various technologies and workflows. This structure helps you develop technical skills, understand cross-functional collaboration, and discover your preferred engineering focus area. The program is designed to build a strong foundation for career advancement and prepare you for leadership roles within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an engineer development program, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Engineer Development Program, you generally need a relevant engineering degree, strong analytical skills, and a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals. Familiarity with industry-specific software (such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks) and basic project management tools is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that help participants collaborate and learn effectively. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable new engineers to quickly develop technical expertise, contribute to projects, and grow within a dynamic professional environment.

What is the difference between Engineer Development Program vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineer Development ProgramMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some programs may require internshipsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentRotational assignments across departments, training sessions, mentorshipDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing in engineering teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations for early-career developmentWidely used across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industries

The Engineer Development Program is a structured training initiative aimed at developing early-career engineers through rotations and mentorship, whereas a Mechanical Engineer typically focuses on specific engineering tasks within a department. The program offers broader exposure and training, while the Mechanical Engineer role involves specialized technical work.

What is an engineer development program?

An Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a structured entry-level training initiative designed to help recent engineering graduates transition into professional roles. These programs typically rotate participants through different departments or projects, allowing them to gain broad experience, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of the company's operations. EDPs often include mentorship, formal training sessions, and opportunities to work on real-world engineering challenges. The goal is to prepare participants for long-term career growth within the organization.
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Development Program jobs in San Diego, CA? For Engineer Development Program jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Development Program jobs in San Diego, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Development Program jobs in San Diego, CA are:
What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Engineer Development Program jobs? Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Engineer Development Program job openings:

Product Development Program Manager, Ground Encryptor

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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 96 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 Government - Secure Network Systems (SNS) is seeking an experienced program manager to join the leadership team of our growing high-assurance encryption business. You will lead teams to design, develop, qualify, certify, and transition to production secure networking and communication appliances for government customers. 


The day-to-day

- This role requires expertise in managing complex programs, coordinating diverse engineering teams, mitigating risks, and fostering strong customer relationships while ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion.
- The successful candidate will have experience working with diverse engineering teams, including system architects, electrical design, software, mechanical, engineering analysis, special test equipment, and integration & test, while proactively managing risks, meeting commitments, and resolving challenges.
- This position requires strong leadership, motivation, and direction of cross-disciplinary teams spanning multiple organizations and geographic locations.


What you'll need

- 10+ years of experience in Program Management as described above
- Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors as an integral part of the deliverables
- Monitor and manage the program level milestones, risks, issues and decisions
- Extensive problem solving skills, and ability to drive resolutions to a close
- Manage program communications internally to teams and externally to customers
- Monitor and assess customer satisfaction, quality and profitability
- At least 5 years’ experience in leading technical teams
- Organization skills to manage multiple facets of a large-scale project and to track progress for several programs at once
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal); ability to interact with all levels in the organization
- Knowledge of EVMS practices
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
- Experience executing US Government Programs, US citizenship required
- Active DoD Secret clearance
- Travel up to 25%


What will help you on the job

- Experience cryptographic hardware development programs
- Knowledge and experience with project management methodologies and best practices such as PMP
- Familiarity with security/cyber technologies and IP networking
- Experience with leading and writing Government proposals
- Experience developing hardware platforms for cryptographic services
- Experience with encryption devices and certification processes


Salary range
$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / 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 $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ 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.

Qualifications:

- 10+ years of experience in Program Management as described above
- Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors as an integral part of the deliverables
- Monitor and manage the program level milestones, risks, issues and decisions
- Extensive problem solving skills, and ability to drive resolutions to a close
- Manage program communications internally to teams and externally to customers
- Monitor and assess customer satisfaction, quality and profitability
- At least 5 years’ experience in leading technical teams
- Organization skills to manage multiple facets of a large-scale project and to track progress for several programs at once
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal); ability to interact with all levels in the organization
- Knowledge of EVMS practices
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
- Experience executing US Government Programs, US citizenship required
- Active DoD Secret clearance
- Travel up to 25%

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Viasat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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