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Program Development Manager Jobs in Palmdale, CA

Stratolaunch

Development Program Manager

Mojave, CA · On-site

In this role, you will report to the Program Element / Development Program Manager and be responsible for execution of programs/projects that will integrate into the broader Talon-A Launch System.

CBIZ

Business Development Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

As a Business Development Manager, your primary responsibility will be to generate new business ... sales programs and campaigns, and leveraging content-driven digital programming. You will ...

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Program Development Manager information

See Palmdale, CA salary details

$34.2K

$128.3K

$213.8K

How much do program development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program development manager in Palmdale, CA is $128,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $152,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program development manager?

To thrive as a Program Development Manager, you need strong project management abilities, strategic planning skills, and a background in program design, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software such as Asana or MS Project, and certifications like PMP, are commonly required for effective oversight. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills help drive collaboration and motivate teams. These competencies are crucial for delivering successful programs that meet organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by program development managers, and how can they address them?

Program Development Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities, and ensuring that program goals meet both organizational and stakeholder needs. To address these challenges, effective communication, strong project management skills, and adaptability are essential. Regular check-ins with team members and stakeholders, clear goal-setting, and the use of project management tools can help streamline processes and keep programs on track. Building strong relationships across departments also facilitates smoother collaboration and problem-solving.

What is the difference between Program Development Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram Development ManagerProject Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple related projects to achieve strategic goalsManages individual projects to meet specific objectives
ResponsibilitiesDevelops program strategies, coordinates projects, manages stakeholdersPlans, executes, and closes projects within scope, time, and budget
CredentialsOften requires a PMP or similar certification, relevant experienceTypically requires PMP or CAPM certification, project management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-project coordination, stakeholder communicationProject planning, team management, task execution

The Program Development Manager focuses on overseeing multiple projects aligned with strategic goals, while the Project Manager manages individual projects. Both roles require project management certifications and involve coordinating teams, but the Program Development Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

What cities near Palmdale, CA are hiring for Program Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Palmdale, CA with the most Program Development Manager job openings:

Program Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Development Manager job openings in Palmdale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,330 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Development Program Manager

Mojave, CA

Stratolaunch
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Stratolaunchexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Interface with stakeholders to develop requirements, manage schedules, and provide updates for programs/projects.

  • Lead an integrated product team through the full program life cycle, including developing budgets, schedules, and managing customer satisfaction.

  • Evaluate risks, manage subcontractor performance, and contribute to proposals and program planning activities.

Job description

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Development Program Manager. In this role, you will report to the Program Element / Development Program Manager and be responsible for execution of programs/projects that will integrate into the broader Talon-A Launch System.  You will interface with internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis to help develop requirements, manage schedules, and provide updates. You will be part of the hypersonic vehicle engineering team, collaborating with the manufacturing, engineering and operations. You will work with the Stratolaunch contracts team to ensure customer milestones are achieved.  You will work with the hypersonic vehicle program management team to ensure the customer needs are communicated and integrated with program planning tools and flight manifests.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead an integrated product team through the full program life cycle  
  • Develop budgets and schedules for managing assigned programs   
  • Responsible for cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction  
  • Make final decisions that affects cost and/or schedule constraints  
  • Implement program management tools, as needed, to facilitate program execution  
  • Contribute to developing statements of work, establishing program review gates, setting milestones with applicable entry and exit criteria, and evaluating subcontractor capabilities  
  • Work with the procurement team to ensure subcontractors are delivering products on deadline and within budget  
  • Evaluate risks and mitigation plans to determine adequacy and effectiveness  
  • Lead the creation of proposals   
  • Contribute to the company business plan with forecasts of schedule, budget, and personnel  
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the Sr. Programs Manager  
  • Travel, as needed, to support the company and program   
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments  

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

REQUIRED

  • Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration, ground systems
  • Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with subcontractors
  • Experience with prototype manufacturing or low-rate production
  • Experience with risk management
  • Facilitation skills and ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to gain support or resolve concerns
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills and ability to implement sound critical thinking skills
  • Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance at the TS level
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment 

 

PREFERRED

  • Experience with government agencies (customers and regulatory)
  • Experience with air-launch programs
  • Launch vehicle and/or aircraft integration experience
  • Large transport category or military aircraft operations experience
  • Experience with classified programs and working in a classified environment
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Sr. Program Manager ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) or higher in a Business Management/Business Administration and/or Engineering discipline from an accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience  
  • Staff Program Manager ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) or higher in a Business Management/Business Administration and/or Engineering discipline from an accredited institution and 10+ years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience  

 

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • This position is located in Mojave, CA
  • Semi-frequent travel required to domestic locations

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