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Program Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Program Chief Engineer (Onsite)

Goleta, CA

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 ...

Raytheon

Program Chief Engineer (Onsite)

Goleta, CA

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

DZYNE Technologies

Senior Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Direct engineering activities * Interface with clients and relevant staff * Prepare the Master Phasing Schedules, Program Execution Schedule, Staffing Plan, Work Breakdown Structure and Financial ...

DZYNE Technologies

Senior Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Direct engineering activities * Interface with clients and relevant staff * Prepare the Master Phasing Schedules, Program Execution Schedule, Staffing Plan, Work Breakdown Structure and Financial ...

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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.

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

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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:

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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.

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

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA

$42/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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. 

Apply