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Program Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SENIOR PROGRAM ENGINEER

Inglewood, CA · On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

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 ...

SENIOR PROGRAM ENGINEER

Inglewood, CA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Program Engineer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$94.5K

$131.3K

How much do program engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program engineer in California is $94,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program engineer?

A Program Engineer is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the technical aspects of engineering projects or programs. They work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure that project requirements are met on time and within budget. Their duties often include planning, design review, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with technical standards. Program Engineers also help resolve engineering issues and facilitate communication across different teams. This role is common in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and technology.

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

To thrive as a Program Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and systems integration, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), CAD tools, and industry-specific standards or certifications such as PMP are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills help Program Engineers coordinate teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards in a collaborative environment.

How does a program engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?

Program Engineers frequently serve as the bridge between engineering, product management, and operations teams. They coordinate project timelines, clarify technical requirements, and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on deliverables. Regular meetings, progress updates, and documentation are standard practices to maintain clear communication and address challenges early. This collaborative approach helps keep projects on track and ensures that engineering solutions meet both technical and business objectives.

What is the difference between Program Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectProgram EngineerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with certifications in project management or systems engineeringBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, with programming certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTypically in project-based settings, coordinating multiple engineering disciplinesPrimarily in software development teams, coding, and designing applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in engineering firms, tech companies, and industries like aerospace, manufacturingCommon in tech companies, startups, and software development firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in engineering projects, project management, systems integrationFocus on coding, software development, and programming tasks

Program Engineers and Software Engineers share overlapping skills but differ mainly in scope. Program Engineers focus on managing engineering projects and systems integration, while Software Engineers concentrate on coding and software development. Both roles require technical expertise, but their work environments and industry applications vary.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Program Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Program Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Engineer 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 $94,522 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

PROGRAM ENGINEER

Marvin Group

Inglewood, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary is based on experience, skills, and education

This position is 100% onsite

The Marvin Group is a Strategic Partner for Global Alternate Mission Equipment and Sustainment

The Marvin Group, a leading defense contractor, plays a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of various systems for military aerospace and vehicles. Based in Southern California near the Los Angeles International Airport, The Marvin Group consists of Marvin Engineering (MEC), Marvin Test Solutions (MTS) and Marvin Land Systems (MLS).  Marvin Engineering designs and produces military Alternate Mission Equipment.  Marvin Test Solutions designs and manufactures armament Test Equipment. Marvin Land Systems specializes in the design and build of power and thermal management systems. For over 60 years we have maintained "A Tradition of Excellence", serving as a trusted source for our unwavering commitment to supporting all branches of the Department of Defense and our global allies. Our collaboration extends across a diverse array of programs and platforms, including major military prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

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 performs and/or manages program/project engineering tasks within the product development lifecycle for pneumatic, mechanical and electro-mechanical components, assemblies, and systems of varying complexities; driving programmatic execution and maturity in support of transitioning engineering development programs into their sustained production environments. Prior experience as an Engineer and/or in a Manufacturing Environment for Aerospace or Defense products for Commercial or Military Aviation is a plus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead, perform, and support program/project engineering activities across the engineering product development lifecycle: from Contract Award, through conceptualization, design, and testing, and into production and sustainment.
  • Establishes/structures problem definitions within Engineering Development Programs, as required to enable Program Team Members to perform tasks to meet customer requirements.
  • Interfaces with all Stakeholders in Engineering Development Programs, internally and externally, to drive programmatic execution and technical and programmatic deliverables to customers; and assure program success with compliance to requirements.
  • Acts as primary liaison across all external and internal Stakeholders for program/project tasks. Includes but is not limited to: requirements management, reliability & maintainability analysis (R&M), fault tree analysis (FTA), failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), and system safety; qualification testing; structural and thermal analyses.
  • Leads and collaborates with major subcontractors performing critical engineering analyses, testing, and/or product development/manufacturing; supporting subcontractors performing development of major system hardware or analyses with technical specifications, documentation, guidance, and management of flow of inputs and outputs.
  • Develops strong technical understanding of the company's products and systems to become the communication bridge between Research & Development Engineering and other disciplines within the company (e.g., Contracts, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality Engineering) to solicit and guide their support.
  • Drives and contributes to Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) Events, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc. with content preparation, presentation delivery, and track resulting action items to resolution. Provides inputs for Milestone decisions in DoD technical and manufacturing readiness assessments.
  • Contributes inputs and commitments to support development and maintenance of Program Schedules, and mitigations of Risk and Opportunity profiles.
  • Supports and contributes to technical and programmatic sections of new business proposals to lead and support alignment of technical approach with customer requirements and DoD standards (e.g., MIL-STD, ITAR); evaluates and prepares technical content, defines WBS structures, collects and/or estimates cost and/or schedule requirements, and develops and/or contributes to risk and opportunity profiles.

 SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; and up to 3 years of experience in Aerospace, Defense, or similar Industry. Other STEM degrees will be considered contingent on relevant experience.
  • Good working knowledge of CAD systems. Understanding of how to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, critical features/dimensions, and drawing notes.
  • General knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes including surface processing treatments (steel alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, etc.) and manufacturing processes (machining, turning, etc.) commonly used in Aerospace and Defense applications. Support subcontractors with product realization efforts.
  • Demonstrated understanding of engineering product development lifecycle: from requirements generation/allocation to transition to production; and contributing to program/project engineering tasks for engineering development programs.
  • Demonstrated technical writing skills: engineering documentation, Plans, Reports, Memorandums, PowerPoint Presentations, etc.
  • Excellent technical communication skills, written and verbal. Ability to digest technical information, process and tailor it, and convert it to actionable information.
  • Technical program management: balance of an Engineer's attention to detail with Program Manager's vision for the larger goals.
  • Good working knowledge of pneumatics, mechanical, and electromechanical systems and structures.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Self-starter that operates as an individual contributor or within a team environment, balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced technical development environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience supporting DoD acquisition programs and/or aerospace systems development.
  • Familiarity with AS9100, MIL-STD-810, or other DoD and Aerospace quality and compliance standards.
  • Hands-on experience with R&M, FTA, FMECA, and/or System Safety.
  • Working knowledge of FEA, and structural and thermal fatigue analysis.
  • Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
  • Experience leading, contributing to, and participating in SETR events.
  • Working knowledge of electronics and circuits.
  • Knowledge of airborne weapon systems and/or weapon carriage equipment is strongly desirable.  

This position must meet export control compliance requirements. All applicants must be "U.S. persons" within the meaning of ITAR, as defined: a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee.
Interested parties please apply online and submit resume to https://jobs.marvingroup.com/ 

Visit us at https://marvingroup.com 
The Marvin Group is an EEO/Disability/Vets Employer.
Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact People & Culture at 310.674.5030.

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