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Program Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mgr III- Program Eng

San Diego, CA · On-site

$153.38K - $260.74K/yr

As the engineering lead, the PEM will serve as the technical conscience for this line of products ... Other program stakeholders for which this technical leader interfaces are the program managers ...

The Program Chief Engineer shares the responsibility for engineering cost, schedule, and technical execution of the program within the Emerging Programs product line. The Chief Engineer reports to ...

Senior Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

The Senior Program Manager, alongside the Chief Program Engineer, plans and organizes all engineering functions specific to the program, coordinates client interaction between the program team and ...

Technical Program Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Reporting to the Director - Operations Engineering, the Technical Program Manager role involves partnering with the Design & Engineering teams and commercial teams to drive the design, validation and ...

Drive Programs & Engineering teams to ensure succinct delivery of the below processes: * Change management * Issue management * Product documentation and release * Own, host and orchestrate key ...

Reporting to the Director - Operations Engineering, the Technical Program Manager role involves partnering with the Design & Engineering teams and commercial teams to drive the design, validation and ...

Sr. Program Operations Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$121.50K - $151.90K/yr

Drive Programs & Engineering teams to ensure succinct delivery of the below processes: * Change management * Issue management * Product documentation and release * Own, host and orchestrate key ...

Engineering Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Role: Engineering Program Manager Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $110,000 - $150,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats is seeking an ...

Engineering Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Role: Engineering Program Manager Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $110,000 - $150,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats is seeking an ...

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Program Developer information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$59.2K

$97.2K

How much do program developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 Program Developers?

Program Developers are professionals who design, plan, and implement new software programs or systems. They analyze user needs, write code, test applications, and work collaboratively with other team members like designers and project managers. In addition to technical skills, Program Developers often manage project timelines and ensure that software solutions meet both user and business requirements. Their work is crucial in creating functional, efficient, and user-friendly software products.

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.

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:
Mgr III- Program Eng

Mgr III- Program Eng

BAE Systems

San Diego, CA • On-site

$153.38K - $260.74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description
We are seeking a person desiring a career as a Program Engineering Manager (PEM) for our San Diego, California site for the Test and Support Systems Portfolio. The candidate's role will require strong leadership and technical abilities to oversee engineering projects in the aerospace defense industry. As the engineering lead, the PEM will serve as the technical conscience for this line of products and services. This requires a strong technical leader who understands the USAF and foreign air forces' automatic test equipment needs and their mission applications for ensuring fighter aircraft availability.
This position overseas the on-site engineers' technical tasks, negotiates appropriate staffing, and is a key member of the product line leadership team. Other program stakeholders for which this technical leader interfaces are the program managers, contracts, finance, quality, operations, suppliers, and our customers. This engineering leadership position is involved in the complete engineering (ISO certified) lifecycle of products and programs from concept definition, through the proposal phase, requirements analysis, development and test, verification, and sustainment. This includes performing reviews of the various engineering work products produced by the engineers during the lifecycle.
As the PEM, review and approve engineering proposals (i.e., basis of estimates) in accordance with Certified Cost & Pricing Data requirements, as well as be an active participant in customer negotiations of our proposals. Excellent writing skills will be necessary in this role, to generate Technical Volumes for winning competitive proposals. Additional requirements for this position is demonstrate subject matter expertise in automatic test equipment, the application of military standards to products, and be able to conduct briefings to customers/stakeholders. (e.g., technical issues, capability updates, product roadmaps, design reviews, etc.) Also, serve as a key technical interface to U.S. and foreign customers, and internal stakeholders.
This technical leader should Keep abreast of the latest technologies in the aerospace industry for potential integration into current products. This includes the Air Force's modular open systems architecture (MOSA) and digital engineering initiatives (i.e., Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
Additionally, a key aspect of this role is building and maintaining a highly engaged and innovative engineering team. We are looking for a leader who not only possesses deep technical expertise, but also a passion for mentorship and developing the next generation of engineering talent. Lead and oversee the technical work of on-site engineers, including task assignment and resource allocation. This includes fostering a collaborative and empowering environment where engineers are encouraged to contribute their ideas and grow their skills.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Required Skills and Education
  • Bachelor's degree in related engineering field.
  • 10+ years in aircraft Automatic Test Equipment/flight-line test equipment
  • Experience leading a diverse engineering team in project performance, technical problem solving, and performing trade studies.
  • Strong understanding of the F-16 IAIS product line
  • Ability to manage technical risks, budget and schedule.
  • Have a sound understanding of engineering principles.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent technical writing skills
  • Secret clearance

Preferred Skills and Education
  • Masters of Science degree in related engineering field.
  • Experience developing proposals, ECPs, and whitepapers focused on new business.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to diagnose, resolve complex problems and to develop improved methods to increase program efficiency.
  • Experience with customer/stakeholder communication, management, relationship building, and customer satisfaction
  • Experience communicating with foreign military customers/stakeholders.
  • Experience using digital engineering tools and modeling.

Benefits Information
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
Intern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.
Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).

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