ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Endor Labs

Program Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a Program Analysis Engineer with an interest in program analysis, static analysis, or machine learning for code, to join our engineering organization. This is an ...

Endor Labs

Program Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a Program Analysis Engineer with an interest in program analysis, static analysis, or machine learning for code, to join our engineering organization. This is an ...

Anduril Industries

Program Chief Engineer

Irvine, CA

Minimum of 5+ years experience as a Lead Engineer, Technical Program Manager, Technical Product Manager, or Engineer in an autonomous systems, robotics, or software development environment. * Proven ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram Engineer JobsProgram Engineer Jobs in California

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 are popular job titles related to Program Engineer jobs in California?

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

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:

What are popular job titles related to Program Engineer jobs in CA?

For Program Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Program Engineer jobs near you
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.

Operations Program Engineer 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

$103K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman Defense System has an opening for an Operations Program Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Advanced Weapons (AW) business unit. This leadership role located in Ridgecrest, CA.
The Engineer must be a self-starter, self-motivated individual who can work in a fast-paced environment.
The responsibilities of this role include:
  • Managing and maintaining the day-to-day interfaces and communications between the assigned Program Management Office (PMO), Manufacturing, Test, Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Mission Assurance (MA), Supply Chain (SCM), Engineering, and Shipping.
  • Achieving targeted cost and schedule requirements.
  • Facilitating internal meetings in a way to support design, production, and problem resolutions.
  • Reporting Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and serving as the Cost Account Management (CAM) for manufacturing projects.
  • Leading or participating on a product team, responsible for product-level requirements analysis, engineering and manufacturing of the products assigned, product tracking, and product visibility.
  • Representing manufacturing at the program Risk Review Board (RRB) meetings and creating / managing any applicable manufacturing risks and/or opportunities from the program risk register.
  • Supporting and generating proposal documentation as needed to foster new work.

This is not a Manager role. This is an individual contributor role.
Basic Qualifications for a Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant work experience or 3 years of experience with an MS degree. 9 years of experience may be applied in lieu of a formal degree
  • The candidate must have experience in leadership and project management.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance per business requirements (US citizenship required)
  • Experience with Cost Point or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and MS Office applications including Excel, Word, Project, and Power Point

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management
  • Experience with cost, schedule, project leadership, and/or process improvement
  • Manufacturing or Engineering experience
  • Experience with bases of estimates, shop order creation, and Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
  • Active Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply