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Program Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NPI Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$246K - $333K/yr

The role As the NPI Engineer, you lead the successful rollout of new hardware / software products ... Drive the relative programs towards an agile hardware/software development cycle to meet the ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Project Engineer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Works with the OoP Chief Program Engineer (CPE) office to lead complex (cross model and/or cross system) Continued Operational Safety Program (COSP) projects across multiple DE disciplines (i.e Mech ...

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Program Engineer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$94.5K

$131.3K

How much do program engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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:

Staff Engineer, Program/Project Mgmt IT Programs

Celestica

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Celestica rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Req ID: 136571
Region: Americas
Country: USA
State/Province: California
City: San Jose
Summary
The Staff Engineer, Program/Project Management is accountable for planning and directing design engineers and other technical engineers working on specific projects. They manage the development, implementation, and evaluation of complex designs. They are responsible for managing large projects with complex scope, multiple streams of work and inter-dependencies.
Detailed Description
Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:
  • Manage strategic visibility programs (multiple projects per program) of high complexity (technology, organizationally). Lead cross-functional, global core team(s), kick off programs, establish schedules and drive meetings.
  • Present, communicate, and influence LOB/segment business leaders and customers
  • Lead/develop function level or moderately complex process initiatives or business strategy.
  • Demonstrate ability to grow cross functional team members by identifying develop opportunities.
  • Lead the deployment of strategic programs and coordinate site-wide deployment efforts.
  • May be a recognized expert (go to person) in one or more skills associated with PM role.
  • Present and communicate status to the business leaders and customers. Review and interpret customer specifications and provides customer feedback
  • Coordinate site-wide deployment efforts.
  • Implement change as directed in the product lifecycle process and recommend process improvements
  • Plan the overall program and monitor the progress. Drive the creation, review, approval and update of the Program Plan/WBS including resources.
  • Daily program management throughout the program life
  • Drive the program core team to meet or exceed program objectives (Cost, Quality, Schedule, Features, Fulfillment/Continuity of Supply, Solution delivery across products & service offerings, Customer Specific Needs)
  • Define the program governance (controls)
  • Manage the program's budget. Forecast actuals against plan/quote for income/revenue, cost/labour & expense
  • Manage risks and issues and taking corrective measurements
  • Coordinate the projects and their interdependencies. Manage and utilizing resources across projects
  • Align the deliverables (outputs) to the program's "outcome" with the aid of the business change manager
  • Manage the main program documentation, such as the Program Initiation document

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies
Refer to technical skills below
Physical Demands
  • Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.
  • Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
  • Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

Typical Experience
  • 7 to 10 years.

Typical Education
Bachelor degree or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Educational Requirements may vary by Geography
Notes
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.
Celestica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
This policy applies to hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment and also states that retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment practice will not be tolerated. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Celestica is an E-Verify employer.
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Celestica, Inc. (NYSE: CLS; TSX: CLS) is a technology leader dedicated to driving customer success and market advancements. With deep expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and platform solutions, Celestica enables critical data center infrastructure for AI, cloud, and hybrid cloud and advances technologies in high-growth markets. With a talented team and a strategic global network, Celestica helps its customers achieve competitive advantages.
Today, Celestica delivers innovative supply chain solutions globally to customers in strategic two operating and reporting segments: Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) and Connectivity and Cloud Solutions (CC):
ATS: This segment serves customers in complex, regulated and high-reliability markets such as Industrial & Smart Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Semiconductor Capital Equipment, and HealthTech. It is engineering led, with deep expertise in design, manufacturing and lifecycle solutions.
CCS: This segment focuses on high-performance technology solutions and services for the data center, serving hyperscalers, digital native customers and enterprises. Celestica's Platform Solutions offering provides innovative and customizable computing, storage and networking solutions enabling AI-driven growth.
Built on a legacy of trust and performance, Celestica has earned its reputation by delivering results in complex and fast-changing markets. Celestica exceeds customer expectations by identifying trends and staying ahead of the curve. Backed by comprehensive capabilities and a global network across North America, Europe and Asia, Celestica helps customers gain competitive advantage with the quality, flexibility and resiliency they need to respond quickly to shifts in demand. Guided by a bold vision to accelerate market advancements, Celestica delivers innovative solutions and technologies that turn complexity into opportunity. Anchored in teamwork and commitment, Celestica strives to be the most trusted partner to its customers and colleagues worldwide.
Celestica would like to thank all applicants, however, only qualified applicants will be contacted.
Celestica does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies or fee based recruitment services.