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Graduate Development Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viasat, Inc.

Network Engineer, Early Career

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$93K - $139K/yr

As an Early Career hire, you will participate in our Graduate Development Program during your first 12 months at Viasat. This program is designed to support your transition from university to the ...

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Graduate Development Program information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$118.5K

$197.4K

How much do graduate development program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate development program in California is $118,486.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate development program?

To thrive in a Graduate Development Program, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and enthusiasm for learning in a professional environment. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or project management systems can be beneficial depending on the sector. Excellent communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this rotational, mentorship-driven setting. These skills and qualifications are vital for successfully integrating into diverse teams, learning quickly, and maximizing the opportunities these programs offer for early-career development.

What kinds of career advancement opportunities can I expect after completing a graduate development program?

Graduate Development Programs are designed to fast-track participants into roles of greater responsibility by providing exposure to multiple business areas and structured mentorship. Upon completion, graduates may transition directly into specialized positions within the organization, often with clearer pathways to leadership or management roles. Many programs also offer ongoing professional development, networking opportunities, and support from senior leaders to help alumni continue growing their careers. The skills and insights gained throughout the program make graduates highly competitive for a wide range of future opportunities within the company or industry.

What is a graduate development program?

A Graduate Development Program (GDP) is an entry-level job designed for recent graduates to gain structured training and hands-on experience in a specific industry or company. These programs typically last from one to three years and include rotations across different departments, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for long-term career growth within the organization.

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Development Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Development Program job openings:
Graduate Development Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Development Program job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,486 per year, or $57 per hour.

Astrodynamics Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA

$42/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are: 
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo,  we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.  Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
 
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. 

Our Development Program:

This is a full-time, onsite program for three months at our headquarters in El Segundo, California.

Our Development Program is a pathway to a career at Space Kinetic. We hire recent graduates who are eager to solve cutting edge technical problems and contribute to high consequence dual use space missions. Interns become part of our core technical, operations, and business teams, work on mission-critical projects, and are evaluated for long-term career opportunities based on performance, initiative, collaboration, and ownership. Outstanding interns may receive a full-time employment offer before or upon completion of the program. Qualified participants relocating for the program may be eligible for a housing stipend, and applications are accepted year-round based on hiring needs.

Over the three-month program you are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

What You'll Do: 

As anAstrodynamics team member, you will support the modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts of our Mission Engineering team. These will support development of our flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment, as well as other potential missions. You will also work with Space Kinetic engineering teams as necessary to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. The role will require work into orbit/trajectory analysis, parametric studies, development of optimization algorithms, and embedded flight software development. 

What It Takes: 

  • A Graduate of a Bachelors or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university
  • Coding experience in C++, Python and/or Rust 
  • Experience with Ansys STK
  • Understanding of Orbital Dynamics
  • Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to career coaching and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication. 
  • Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance. 

 What We'd Love: 

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Knowledge of Dynamics and Kinematics
  • Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU) 

Where You'll Be: 

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Compensation: 

This position is paid hourly based on the candidate's highest completed degree at the time of hire:

  • Bachelor's degree: $30 per hour
  • Master's degree: $35 per hour
  • PhD: $42 per hour

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 

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