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Program Director Jobs in Carson, CA (NOW HIRING)

Divergent

Program Director, Aerostructures

Torrance, CA · On-site

Purpose Divergent is seeking a Program Director, Aerostructures to provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of aerostructure programs supporting U.S. Department of War and allied customers. This ...

Meraki7

Assistant Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Title: Assistant Program Director Location: Los Angeles, CA We are looking for an Assistant Program Director - VN Program to join our team. Schedule Requirements: Day shift, Mon-Fri - with the ...

SpaceX

Program Director, Special Programs

Hawthorne, CA

$185K - $260K/yr

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PROGRAMS Join us in pioneering cutting-edge, innovative space-based capabilities that redefine National Security. Build revolutionary technologies to protect and advance our ...

SpaceX

Program Director, Special Programs

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$185K - $260K/yr

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PROGRAMS Join us in pioneering cutting-edge, innovative space-based capabilities that redefine National Security. Build revolutionary technologies to protect and advance our ...

Airbus

Cabin Program Director

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminacion (Spanish) Airbus Commercial Aircraft is looking for a Cabin Program Director to join our Engineering department based in Newport Beach, CA or Mobile, AL.

Ag

Cabin Program Director

Newport Beach, CA

Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminacion(Spanish) Airbus Commercial Aircraft is looking for a Cabin Program Director to join our Engineering department based in Newport Beach, CA or Mobile, AL. You ...

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All JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Carson, CA

Program Director information

See Carson, CA salary details

$30.9K

$81.8K

$143.3K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Carson, CA is $81,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Directors?

Program Directors are professionals responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing specific programs within an organization. They manage budgets, coordinate staff, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure goals align with the organization’s mission. Program Directors often work in fields such as education, healthcare, nonprofit, and media. Their leadership ensures that programs run smoothly, meet objectives, and deliver value to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges Program Directors face when overseeing multiple projects or initiatives?

Program Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing competing priorities across several projects, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Managing diverse teams, coordinating resources, and addressing unexpected obstacles—such as shifting stakeholder requirements or budget constraints—are common aspects of the role. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring successful program delivery. Collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams is also crucial for resolving issues promptly and maintaining program momentum.

What is a program director?

A program director is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, and ensure program goals are met, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves strategic decision-making and compliance with organizational policies.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Program Director can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and industry expertise. High-paying roles often require significant responsibility, strategic planning, and management skills, but may not always require a formal degree if supplemented by relevant experience and certifications.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure that program objectives are met efficiently and effectively, often requiring leadership, organizational skills, and relevant certifications.

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

To thrive as a Program Director, you need strong leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of management experience. Experience with budgeting software, project management tools like Asana or MS Project, and familiarity with compliance standards are often necessary. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities are critical soft skills that set top Program Directors apart. These skills are crucial for aligning teams, driving program success, and ensuring organizational goals are consistently met.

What Is a Program Director?

A program director is an upper-management position found within organizations across almost all industries. Your primary job duties include coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all details of a company’s operation and programs. You monitor the budget, create community programs, supervise other managers, and develop better business practices. The exact job duties vary widely depending on industry and employer. Some program directors oversee the entire organization while others oversee specific departments. Though almost all industries utilize program directors, the two most commonly seen are business and healthcare.

What is the difference between Program Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram DirectorProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree; often prefers PMP or similar certificationsRequires a bachelor’s degree; PMP or CAPM certifications are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofits, corporate, government sectors for large initiativesCommon across industries for specific project execution

The Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Manager handles the planning and execution of a single project. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree do you need to be a program director?

A program director typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry-related area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific sector they oversee.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Carson, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Carson, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Carson, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Carson, CA are:
What cities near Carson, CA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Carson, CA with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Carson, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,779 per year, or $39.3 per hour.
Program Director, Aerostructures

Program Director, Aerostructures

Divergent

Torrance, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Purpose

Divergent is seeking a Program Director, Aerostructures to provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of aerostructure programs supporting U.S. Department of War and allied customers. This role is accountable for long-term program performance, customer alignment, and business outcomes across development, production, and sustainment. The Program Director, Aerostructures operates as a senior business leader, shaping program strategy, influencing customer roadmaps, and aligning engineering and operations to aerostructure portfolio objectives.

The Role
  • Program and Portfolio Strategy: Own the strategic direction and long-term execution plans for a portfolio of defense aerostructures programs. The Program Director will balance near-term execution with long-term affordability, producibility, and growth objectives while aligning program and customer strategies to DAPS platform development.
  • Organizational Leadership: Lead, develop, and mentor a team of program managers and functional leaders to ensure program execution success and business growth. The Program Director will be responsible for aligning cross-functional priorities across the aerostructures portfolio, to include setting expectations for execution across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and production.
  • Portfolio Revenue Growth: Serve as the business owner for the aerostructure portfolio programs, accountable for P&L, margin performance, and revenue growth YoY. The Program Director will interface with senior leadership to influence financial planning, make/buy decisions, and data-driven decision making at the portfolio level.
  • Customer and Government Engagement: Act as the senior interface for DoW program offices, prime contractors, and executive level stakeholders. The Program Director will help shape customer programs, influence requirements, and position the business unit for future contract awards, while leading executive program reviews that support capture strategies and proposal development.
  • Technical and Operational Strategy: Partner with engineering, operations, and platform leadership to define aerostructure technology roadmaps aligned to customer requirements. These strategies will account for development, certification, sustainment, and lifecycle support requirements for DoW Programs of Record.
Basic Qualifications
  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls 
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of aerospace and defense experience with significant program and portfolio leadership
  • Proven experience leading a team in executing large, complex defense programs or portfolios
  • Strong understanding of defense acquisitions processes and customer environments
  • Demonstrated success leading P&L, long-range planning, and executive level engagements
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • PMP or equivalent certification
  • Experience influencing capture strategies and contract negotiations
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance
Work Environment
  • This role will be based onsite in our Torrance, CA office. 
Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at level M08 as evaluated through our interview process. 

  • ABD / M08: $211,550- $290,880

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