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Principal Technical Program Manager Jobs in California

Principal Technical Program Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 7 years in technical marketing, customer engineering, systems engineering, or technical program management ...

As a Technical Program Manager for Infrastructure, you will lead technical programs to develop and rollout next generation technology solutions to process a diverse spectrum of infrastructure ...

Principal Technical Program Manager

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

$152K - $197K/yr

S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 7 years in technical marketing, customer engineering, systems engineering, or technical program management ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Technical Program Manager information

See California salary details

$87.8K

$143.7K

$166.3K

How much do principal technical program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal technical program manager in California is $143,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a Principal Technical Program Manager faces when aligning cross-functional teams on complex projects?

A Principal Technical Program Manager often encounters the challenge of ensuring that diverse teams—such as engineering, product, design, and operations—are aligned on priorities, timelines, and deliverables for large-scale initiatives. This requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to manage conflicting interests and dependencies. Additionally, adapting to shifting business goals while maintaining clear project direction is a key part of the role. Successfully navigating these challenges enables the program manager to drive impactful outcomes and foster collaboration across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Technical Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Technical Program Manager, you need deep expertise in program management, technical acumen, and experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like PMP or Agile. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Jira or Asana), cloud platforms, and software development lifecycle methodologies is commonly required. Exceptional leadership, strategic communication, and stakeholder management skills help you influence teams and drive results. These skills ensure successful delivery of large-scale programs by aligning technical solutions with business goals and fostering collaboration across diverse teams.

What is the difference between Principal Technical Program Manager vs Technical Program Manager?

AspectPrincipal Technical Program ManagerTechnical Program Manager
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years experience, relevant certifications (e.g., PMP), and deep technical expertiseUsually 3-7 years experience, relevant certifications, and strong technical background
Work EnvironmentLeads large, complex programs across multiple teams, often at senior levelsManages specific projects or programs within teams, focusing on execution
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech giants and large enterprises, especially in software and hardwareWidely used across tech companies, startups, and other industries requiring project coordination

The Principal Technical Program Manager typically oversees larger, more strategic programs with greater responsibilities and cross-team influence compared to the Technical Program Manager, who focuses on managing specific projects and ensuring timely delivery within teams.

What are Principal Technical Program Managers?

Principal Technical Program Managers (Principal TPMs) are senior leaders responsible for overseeing complex technical projects and programs across organizations. They coordinate cross-functional teams, set strategic direction, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure successful delivery of technology solutions. Principal TPMs often act as a bridge between engineering, product, business, and executive stakeholders, leveraging their deep technical expertise and leadership skills to drive alignment and deliver results.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Technical Program Manager jobs in California? For Principal Technical Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Technical Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Technical Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Principal Technical Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Principal Technical Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Technical Program Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,740 per year, or $69.1 per hour.
(USA) Principal, Technical Program Manager

(USA) Principal, Technical Program Manager

Walmart

Hayward, CA • On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,916 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...Role summary:
The Principal, Technical Program Manager - Software Asset Management (SAM), will be responsible for strategically managing the organization's software assets throughout their entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements and optimizing software usage. You will work to maintain accurate software inventories, track software usage and deployment, manage software upgrades and migrations, and work with software vendors to negotiate contracts and provide usage data. 
  About the team:
The Strategic Spend Optimization team within Tech Strategy leads the execution of Global Tech priorities by delivering actionable insights that support informed decision-making. Focused on operational excellence, the team collaborates across functions to implement impactful solutions advancing key strategic initiatives.
The Software Asset Management (SAM) division of the SSO team, focuses on implementing and maturing processes, workflows, and governance structures to ensure compliance, cost optimization, and lifecycle management for all software assets across the organization.
  What you'll do:
  • Software Inventory & Tracking: Maintain a comprehensive and accurate record of all software assets across the organization
  • License Compliance: Ensure the company adheres to all software license terms and conditions to avoid legal and financial risks. Drive compliance reporting and remediation efforts for regulatory and audit purposes
  • Software Usage & Optimization: Monitor how software is being used to identify underutilized or redundant software, helping to reduce waste and maximize investments
  • Software Lifecycle Management: Oversee the software from its purchase and installation to its eventual retirement or migration to new versions
  • Expertise of software asset management (SAM) tools, like Flexera and Zylo, is key
What you'll bring:
  • Ability to collect and analyze usage data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations for software optimization. 
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with IT teams, vendors, and other stakeholders. 
  • Ability to develop and maintain documentation, reports, and process artifacts.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering high-quality technical solutions.
  • Strong understanding of ITAM lifecycle processes (procurement, deployment, inventory, support, disposal).
  • Familiarity with regulatory and audit requirements impacting asset and configuration data management (e.g., FFIEC, SOX, internal controls).
  • Strong understanding of different software licensing models and the ability to interpret complex license agreements.
  • Practical experience in IT asset management or software asset management is highly valued.

  At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
Sunnyvale, California US-11656: The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00
Bellevue, Washington US-11663: The annual salary range for this position is $132,000.00 - $264,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

• Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or related area and 6 years’ experience in engineering, engineering program management, technical program management, product management, or related area.
• Option 2: 8 years’ experience in engineering, engineering program management, technical program management, product management, or related area.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Certification in Project Management., Master’s degree in Business Administration, with specialization in strategy, supply chain, finance, information systems, or related area and 4 years’ experience in product design., We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.Primary Location...1375 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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