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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 ...

Wayve

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 ...

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

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

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, 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

Sr. 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.

Sr. 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

Sr. 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.

Sr. 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

Sr. Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160 - $195/hr

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 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.

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

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA

$42/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

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.

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 a SETA Engineering team member to support technical research and engineering analysis efforts across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics-related projects. This role provides exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace development, including mechanical engineering support, technical research, mission analysis, and engineering coordination activities.

  • Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities  
  • Perform highly analytical, parameter-driven analyses and develop white papers that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, methodologies, and technical recommendations.
  • Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials  
  • Support engineering coordination and follow-up across technical teams  
  • Assist with analysis of engineering data, system concepts, and design approaches  
  • Participate in technical discussions and engineering reviews  
  • Support rapid research tasks and problem-solving activities in a startup environment 
  • Support research into new mission and commercial applications by developing trade studies, pros and cons analyses, first-principles assessments, and early-stage simulations and models.

What It Takes: 

  • A Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Strong background in physics and mathematics
  • Intermediate coding ability to support technical analysis, modeling, simulation, and data processing.

 What We'd Love: 

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations  
  • Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and space mission applications  
  • Exposure to MATLAB, Python, STK, GMAT, or similar technical tools is a plus  

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