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Government Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

Government Contracts Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

... engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153 ... Government Contracts Manager This is a unique opportunity to join a lean legal team which will give ...

Alutiiq

Electrical Engineer II

San Diego, CA

... Engineer II - RF Systems in San Diego, CA. The position is onboard Naval Information Warfare ... Coordinate installation evolutions with government entities and vendor support staff as systems ...

SpaceX

Government Project Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

GOVERNMENT PROJECT ENGINEER The SpaceX engineering teams tackle the most challenging problems in space exploration by developing our reusable launch vehicles (Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy) and ...

SpaceX

Government Project Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $140K/yr

GOVERNMENT PROJECT ENGINEER The SpaceX engineering teams tackle the most challenging problems in space exploration by developing our reusable launch vehicles (Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy) and ...

Alutiiq

Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Required to work directly with the Government customer to assess materials, develop components, assess, interpret, and approve drawing requirements for multiple engineering tasks over a broad range ...

SpaceXAI

Security Engineer - Azure Government

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $258K/yr

Knowledge of container security (Docker, AKS), secure DevOps, or AI/ML workload protection * Prior experience in government regulations frameworks such as FedRAMP and CMMC. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ...

Pilgrim

Government Ops

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Located in Redwood City, our team pairs mechanical and electrical engineering with chemistry and ... We are looking for a Government Ops lead at Pilgrim to own our engagement across the federal ...

ATA Engineering, Inc

Engineering Software Programmer

CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

ATA is seeking engineers who like to develop software. The successful candidate will be detail ... Many of our contracts require access to government, defense, and classified information. We cannot ...

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All JobsGovernment Programmer JobsGovernment Programmer Jobs in California

Government Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do government programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for government programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Government Programmer job?

A Government Programmer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and securing software applications for government agencies. They work with programming languages, databases, and cybersecurity protocols to ensure efficient and compliant software systems. Their duties may include writing code, debugging programs, and collaborating with analysts and IT teams. This role often requires knowledge of federal and state regulations, as well as security clearance for handling sensitive data.

What is the highest paid coding job?

In the government sector, senior software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data scientists often earn the highest salaries for programming roles. These positions typically require advanced skills, security clearances, and experience with specialized tools or languages, and they can offer compensation comparable to private sector high-level developers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government Programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Programmer, you need a strong background in computer programming, software development, and information security, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with languages such as Java, Python, or C#, knowledge of government IT systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help programmers excel when working on collaborative or cross-departmental teams. Mastery of these skills is crucial for maintaining secure, reliable, and compliant technology solutions within the public sector.

What types of projects do Government Programmers typically work on, and how does their work impact public services?

Government Programmers often develop, maintain, and secure software systems that support various public services, including public records databases, tax processing, and emergency response tools. They may work on modernizing legacy government platforms, integrating new security measures, or creating user-facing portals for citizens. Their daily responsibilities can include coding, troubleshooting software issues, collaborating with other IT specialists, and ensuring compliance with government security and accessibility standards. This role has a direct impact on the efficiency, security, and accessibility of essential services relied upon by the public, making the work both challenging and rewarding.

Can software engineers work for the government?

Yes, software engineers can work for government agencies, where they develop and maintain software systems, often requiring security clearances and knowledge of government regulations. These roles may involve working with specialized tools, programming languages, and adhering to strict security protocols.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

How much do government coders make?

Government programmers typically earn between $60,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on agency, security clearance requirements, and specialized skills such as cybersecurity or specific programming languages.
What are popular job titles related to Government Programmer jobs in California? For Government Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Government Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Government Programmer jobs in California are:
Government Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Programmer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.
Government Affairs Manager

Government Affairs Manager

Harbinger Motors Inc.

Garden Grove, CA

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Role

As the Government Affairs Manager, you will be the primary architect of Harbinger's relationship with local, state, and federal government entities. You will navigate the complex landscape of electric vehicle (EV) sales and incentives, vehicle and battery regulations, and infrastructure policy to ensure our technology reaches the road faster. This role isn't just about monitoring legislation; it's about actively shaping the policies that will define the next generation of advanced American manufacturing, battery technology, and commercial electrification.

What You'll Do:
  • Policy Advocacy: Develop and execute a comprehensive legislative and regulatory strategy to promote Harbinger's interests, focusing on vehicle electrification, vehicle and manufacturing incentives, and energy policy.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain high-level relationships with members of Congress, the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as state-level agencies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
  • Coalition Building: Represent Harbinger in trade associations and industry working groups to amplify our voice on issues including charging infrastructure and vehicle incentive programs.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Sales and Engineering teams to develop company positions and provide regulatory intelligence that informs product roadmaps and procurement bids.
Who You Are:
  • Experience: 5-8 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs, preferably within the automotive, transportation, or clean energy sectors. Knowledge of government procurement highly preferred.
  • Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the automotive, medium-duty vehicle, clean energy, and/or transportation market and the specific regulatory hurdles facing EV startups.  
  • Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex technical specs (chassis architecture, battery chemistry, ADAS) into compelling policy narratives for non-technical officials.
  • Travel:  Willingness to travel for on-site meetings with government officials and industry groups.
  • Network: An existing network of contacts within key regulatory bodies and relevant governmental bodies, particularly in California.

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