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Program Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wayve

NPI Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Knightscope, Inc.

Senior Supply Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the K7 Chief Program Engineer and partnering closely with the K1/H1 Chief Program Engineer, you will own the top-30% supplier portfolio in each program - by cost or by ...

Knightscope, Inc.

Senior Supply Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$122K - $167K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the K7 Chief Program Engineer and partnering closely with the K1/H1 Chief Program Engineer, you will own the top-30% supplier portfolio in each program - by cost or by ...

Knightscope

Senior Supply Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $167K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the K7 Chief Program Engineer and partnering closely with the K1/H1 Chief Program Engineer, you will own the top-30% supplier portfolio in each program - by cost or by ...

Knightscope, Inc

Senior Supply Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the K7 Chief Program Engineer and partnering closely with the K1/H1 Chief Program Engineer, you will own the top-30% supplier portfolio in each program -- by cost or by ...

Knightscope

Senior Supply Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $167K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the K7 Chief Program Engineer and partnering closely with the K1/H1 Chief Program Engineer, you will own the top-30% supplier portfolio in each program -- by cost or by ...

Department of State Hospitals

Program placement

Napa, CA · On-site

$5.0K - $6.3K/mo

Program placement Classification: LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE (SAFETY) $5,082.00 - $6,361.00 T # of Positions: Multiple Work Location: Napa County Telework: In Office Job Type: Permanent, Full Time ...

Knightscope

Senior Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $166K/yr

Job Summary Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program -- the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot ...

Knightscope, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

Job Summary Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program - the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot ...

Knightscope, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$122K - $166K/yr

Job Summary Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program - the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot ...

Knightscope Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $167K/yr

Job Summary Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program -- the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot ...

Knightscope

Senior Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $166K/yr

Job Summary Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program - the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot ...

Knightscope, Inc

Senior Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

Job Summary Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program -- the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 10, 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.

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 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.

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, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,522 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Astrodynamics Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Space Kinetic
See more jobs at Space Kineticexternal

$42/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are: 
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo,  we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.  Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
 
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. 

Our Development Program:

This is a full-time, onsite program for three months at our headquarters in El Segundo, California.

Our Development Program is a pathway to a career at Space Kinetic. We hire recent graduates who are eager to solve cutting edge technical problems and contribute to high consequence dual use space missions. Interns become part of our core technical, operations, and business teams, work on mission-critical projects, and are evaluated for long-term career opportunities based on performance, initiative, collaboration, and ownership. Outstanding interns may receive a full-time employment offer before or upon completion of the program. Qualified participants relocating for the program may be eligible for a housing stipend, and applications are accepted year-round based on hiring needs.

Over the three-month program you are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

What You'll Do: 

As anAstrodynamics team member, you will support the modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts of our Mission Engineering team. These will support development of our flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment, as well as other potential missions. You will also work with Space Kinetic engineering teams as necessary to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. The role will require work into orbit/trajectory analysis, parametric studies, development of optimization algorithms, and embedded flight software development. 

What It Takes: 

  • A Graduate of a Bachelors or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university
  • Coding experience in C++, Python and/or Rust 
  • Experience with Ansys STK
  • Understanding of Orbital Dynamics
  • Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to career coaching and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication. 
  • Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance. 

 What We'd Love: 

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Knowledge of Dynamics and Kinematics
  • Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU) 

Where You'll Be: 

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Compensation: 

This position is paid hourly based on the candidate's highest completed degree at the time of hire:

  • Bachelor's degree: $30 per hour
  • Master's degree: $35 per hour
  • PhD: $42 per hour

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 

Apply