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Program Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marvin Group

PROGRAM ENGINEER

Inglewood, CA · On-site

The role requires an Engineer that thrives in cross-functional environments, balancing technical rigor with program execution excellence. The successful candidate will be a motivated doer that ...

Anduril Industries

Program Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Program Engineer role involves engaging with stakeholders, driving technical outcomes, and executing strategic plans to support the development of autonomous systems for air defense.

Anduril Industries

Program Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Minimum of 5+ years experience as a Lead Engineer, Technical Program Manager, Technical Product Manager, Engineering Manager, or Engineer in an autonomous systems, robotics, or software development ...

Anduril Industries

Program Engineer

Irvine, CA

Minimum of 5+ years experience as a Lead Engineer, Technical Program Manager, Technical Product Manager, Engineering Manager, or Engineer in an autonomous systems, robotics, or software development ...

Knightscope

K1 Program Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

K1 Program Engineer About Knightscope Knightscope (NASDAQ: KSCP) is a security technology company building the nation's first Autonomous Security Force - autonomous machines, AI-driven software, and ...

Knightscope

K1 Program Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

K1 Program Engineer About Knightscope Knightscope (NASDAQ: KSCP) is a security technology company building the nation's first Autonomous Security Force -- autonomous machines, AI-driven software, and ...

Knightscope, Inc.

K1 Program Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

K1 Program Engineer About Knightscope Knightscope (NASDAQ: KSCP) is a security technology company building the nation's first Autonomous Security Force - autonomous machines, AI-driven software, and ...

Endor Labs

Program Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a Program Analysis Engineer with an interest in program analysis ... Experience building developer-facing products or platforms. Why Endor Labs We're building at the ...

Endor Labs

Program Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

About the Role We are looking for a Program Analysis Engineer with an interest in program analysis ... Experience building developer-facing products or platforms. Why Endor Labs We're building at the ...

Anduril Industries

Program Chief Engineer

Irvine, CA

Minimum of 5+ years experience as a Lead Engineer, Technical Program Manager, Technical Product Manager, or Engineer in an autonomous systems, robotics, or software development environment. * Proven ...

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All JobsProgram Developer JobsProgram Developer Jobs in California

Program Developer information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$59.2K

$97.2K

How much do program developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program developer in California is $59,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program developer?

A program developer creates or enhances software to meet company needs. As a program developer, you make work on applications for different departments, such as human resources, sales, or data processing. Your job duties include designing software solutions that make the company procedures more efficient, programming the computer language, and troubleshooting the code to resolve bugs and errors. Program developers may work independently or on a team of software designers.

What are some common challenges faced by program developers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Program Developers often work closely with designers, product managers, and quality assurance teams. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these diverse groups, as each may have different priorities and technical backgrounds. Balancing feature requests with technical feasibility and project deadlines can also be demanding. Successful Program Developers proactively seek feedback, clarify requirements, and use collaborative tools to keep everyone aligned, which helps minimize misunderstandings and bottlenecks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Developer, you need strong programming skills, knowledge of software development methodologies, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like version control systems (e.g., Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and frameworks relevant to the target platform is essential. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top developers apart. These competencies enable the creation of robust, maintainable software solutions and efficient collaboration within development teams.

What is the difference between Program Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectProgram DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or software engineering
Work EnvironmentOften works on specific projects, coding, and debuggingDesigns, develops, tests, and maintains software systems
Industry UsageCommon in software development firms, tech companies, and IT departmentsWidely used across tech, finance, healthcare, and other industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for coding roles and project workCompared for system design and software architecture roles

While both Program Developers and Software Engineers work in software creation, Program Developers typically focus on coding and implementing specific programs, whereas Software Engineers are involved in designing and architecting entire software systems. The roles often overlap, but Software Engineers usually have broader responsibilities in system design and integration.

More about Program Developer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Program Developer jobs in California?

For Program Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Developer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Program Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Program Developer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Program Developer jobs in CA?

For Program Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Program Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Developer 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 $59,194 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Additive Manufacturing Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$42/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 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, attainable, 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.
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 an Additive Manufacturing Participant, you will work with design engineers to improve component designs for additive manufacturing. Manage parts through the AM workflow: from material selection, Design of Experiments (DoE), to part fabrication, and final delivery. Establish and document AM processes that meet aerospace quality standards
What It Takes:
  • Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
  • Analytical, problem-solving, and electrical skills are required
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, self-driven, rapidly growing entrepreneurial workplace
  • 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 criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.
  • Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.

What We'd Love:
  • Knowledge and experience with CAD and AM data preparations software (e.g. SolidWorks, Magics, ANSYS Additive Print, etc.)
  • Passion for the commercial and government space industry.
  • Passion for spacecraft or launch vehicle system development.

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.
The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
Pay Range
$30-$42 USD

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