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Government Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide advice and guidance to government engineers regarding design, fabrication, operation, and maintenance or repair of ruggedized mechanical enclosures * Provide engineering support for the ...

Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide advice and guidance to government engineers regarding design, fabrication, operation, and maintenance or repair of ruggedized mechanical enclosures * Provide engineering support for the ...

Programmer I

Edwards, CA · On-site

$79K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... Must qualify for and maintain a government security clearance Must possess a valid, stated-issued ...

Programmer I

Edwards, CA · On-site

$79K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... Must qualify for and maintain a government security clearance * Must possess a valid, stated-issued ...

Showing results 21-40

Government Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do government programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government programmer, 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 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:

Infographic showing various Government Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

GSS Government Aviation - Program Manager with Security Clearance

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

Other

Posted 7 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 99 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 You're responsible for the successful execution of programs from conception through completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and serve as the point of contact for stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams, driving teamwork and delivering outstanding results. You will work closely with Business Area leadership in managing customer contracts in an organization chartered to deliver high-quality, ground breaking satellite communications system equipment for government customers. The day-to-day Your customer management expertise and passion will be integral to help us craft new networks and service existing programs. You will work closely with our Business Development team and directly with our customers to define system requirements, and will work with our engineering and operations teams to find and deliver practical solutions meeting these requirements. You will be the point of contact for key programmatic communications with our customers and provide best-of-class service and support throughout the entire program life-cycle while participating in business area growth. What you'll need * 5+ years' multifaceted Program Management experience supporting Government organizations
* Solid track record to work in high pressure situations while maintaining integrity
* Own full responsibility and accountability of all programs you are executing
* Ability to present technical and programmatic details at an abstracted level in a customer-facing language
* Shown experience leading and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including, but not limited to, Business Development, Engineering, Contracts, Finance, and Operations both internally and externally
* Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
* Programmatic gate process experience
* Aerospace engineering subject area with aircraft certification experience
* Solid track record with driving contractual requirements to deliver on-time
* Bachelor's Degree in a technical subject area or equivalent experience
* US Government position. US Citizenship Required
* Active DoD Secret Clearance
* Ability to travel up to 50% both CONUS and OCONUS What will help you on the job * Masters degree in a technical OR business subject area
* 7+ years 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 Government standards and requirements, such as; WGS Certification requirements, MIL-STE-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, DO-160, and RMF 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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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