1

Program Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$200 - $220/hr

As a full-time Program Engineer you will provide technical support to the Federal Program Manager (FPM), as well as program engineer liaison with other Defense Programs (DP), National Nuclear ...

Be Seen First

New Model Program Engineer The New Model Program Engineer plays a critical role in the successful launch of new vehicle and powertrain models within North America manufacturing plants. This position ...

$90 - $130/hr

Onsite at work location address | Job Code: 244551 Job Title Overview / Summary The New Model Program Engineer plays a critical role in the successful launch of new vehicle and powertrain models ...

$115 - $195/hr

... program development.* Experience with project feasibility, definition requirements, design and/or project leadership.* Experience with various technical programming languages, and phase report ...

$120 - $190/hr

Position Summary Credence has an immediate need for an Acquisition Program Engineer - Electronic Warfare at the senior level supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centerat Eglin AFB, Florida.

$140 - $190/hr

Credence has an immediate need for an Acquisition Program Engineer - System Safety at the senior level supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centerat Eglin AFB, Florida. The Agile Weapons ...

$120 - $180/hr

Coordinate global development activities across Design, Systems & Applications, Product Engineering ... Success in this role will be measured by the ability to effectively lead complex programs, build ...

$75 - $129/hr

Bachelor's degree in engineering technology* in a program accredited by ABET**. *A degree in engineering technology is the preferred degree: however, engineering degrees will also be considered.

New

$52 - $75/hr

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET accredited program * Engineer in Training (EIT) or ability to become registered within 6 months * Strong working knowledge of MS Office Preferred ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$26.9K

$83.2K

$115.5K

How much do program engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for program engineer in Kentucky is $83,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $101,200.00 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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Program Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,185 per year, or $40 per hour.

$200 - $220/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

164th of 452 rated engineering


Job description

TechSource, a Salas O'Brien company and a previous DOE Small Business of the Year recipient and ten-time Inc. 5000 winner, is a nationally recognized engineering and scientific company specializing in the management and technical delivery of large-scale nuclear and high-technology projects with numerous federal agencies, helping to advance missions of national importance for government programs, national laboratories, national security facilities, nuclear operations, and complex projects nationwide. We provide direct access to hundreds of experts and industry leaders in the nuclear sciences, non-proliferation technologies, accelerator physics, and systems engineering arenas with offices in Washington DC, SC, TX, TN, and NM. Our outstanding technical service has earned the company a client retention rate of over 95 percent. As part of Salas O'Brien, we work to attract and retain the best talent because the best talent delivers the best results for our clients.

Job Summary:

As a full-time Program Engineer you will provide technical support to the Federal Program Manager (FPM), as well as program engineer liaison with other Defense Programs (DP), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and Department of Defense (DOD) organizations associated with the W87-1 Modification Program. You’ll assist the W87-1 FPM, Lead Engineer, and Senior Engineers with technical oversight, program management, and program integration.

You’ll use your diverse knowledge of nuclear weapons systems engineering, non-nuclear component realization, nuclear material production, product realization process, Phase 6.X activities, and project management skills to develop and maintain a program baseline, analyze solutions, identify risks, and support the ongoing success of the program. This is a full-time position on-site at the NNSA offices in Albuquerque, NM.

Responsibilities:

  • Assess and provide program and technical management knowledge and capabilities to advise the Federal Program Office (FPO) on execution of cost, scope, and schedule for major system acquisitions. Represent, within program guidance, the NNSA’s program interests and positions in interactions with other agencies.
  • Apply systems engineering principles (such as requirements and interface management, risk management, work breakdown structure, decision analysis) for the development and maintain an integrated program baseline.
  • Use programmatic and portfolio analysis tools, databases, risk management databases, and methodologies to manage project responsibilities.
  • Analyze, evaluate, and integrate solutions for unusually complex and diverse technical problems.
  • Identify, track, mitigate, and resolve technical risks and issues related to product and/or system performance objectives.
  • Participate in Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings.
  • Participate in Project Officer Group and sub-group meetings (joint DOW/NNSA), with guidance provided by the Lead Engineer and/or FPM.
  • Provide guidance for program integration.
  • Use knowledge of the substantive nature of NNSA Nuclear Weapons programs and activities; missions, policies, and objectives; management principles and processes; and the analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to assess program development or execution and improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency with emphasis of 6.X process and Defense Programs Business Process System.
  • Contribute to or lead assessments of capability and capacity of the NNSA weapons production complex for the W87-1 Program and recommend necessary facility and resource planning.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science. A degree in business, project management, or related field with relevant experience may be considered.
  • Active Q or Top Secret security clearance.
  • 10 or more years of project/program management experience managing nuclear weapon system sustainment or acquisition.
  • Nuclear weapon and deliver platform experience, including knowledge of the 6.X process.
  • NNSA and Department of Defense interagency experience.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Knowledge of project and program management, scheduling, and risk tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Some travel is required (20%).

Preferred qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in engineering or science.
  • Manufacturing and production floor experience in NNSA, military, government or corporate environments.
  • TEST: Experience in the planning and execution of system level mechanical and electrical tests for nuclear weapons systems.
  • TEST: Experience in system qualification and requirements verification.

The expected base salary range for this role is $200 - $220,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible forperformance-based bonuses and a comprehensiveU.S. basedbenefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources

TechSource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. TechSource will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Qualifications Education Required

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Preferred

Masters or better in Engineering.

Experience Required

NNSA and Department of Defense interagency experience.

Nuclear weapon and deliver platform experience, including knowledge of the 6.X process.

10 years:

10 or more years of project/program management experience managing nuclear weapon system sustainment or acquisition.

Active Q or Top Secret security clearance.

Licenses & Certifications Required

Security Clearance

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Salas O'Brien employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom