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Program Engineer Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Program Engineering Manager (PEM) to support various programs in our Wayne NJ facility in our Adaptive Communications & Sensing (AC&S) Tactical Data Link (TDL) product line. The ...

The PEM leads the engineering effort for the entire program ensuring the solution meets customer programmatic and technical requirements within the allocated engineering cost and schedule. The PEM ...

We are looking for a Program Engineering Manager (PEM) to support various programs in our Wayne NJ facility in our Adaptive Communications & Sensing (AC&S) Tactical Data Link (TDL) product line. The ...

Mgr I- Program Eng

Totowa, NJ · On-site

$130K/yr

Our F-35 Engineering Team is seeking a New Jersey Program Engineering Manager (PEM I) to support the business. This position will report indirectly to one of F-35 Product-Line Engineering Lead (PLEL ...

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Program Engineer information

See New Jersey salary details

$31.5K

$97.2K

$135K

How much do program engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for program engineer in New Jersey is $97,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $118,300.00 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 New Jersey?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Program Engineer job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,236 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Program Chief Engineer - Encryption Products

Camden, NJ • On-site

$106K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead engineering execution for assigned encryption product efforts, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule performance.

  • Serve as the primary engineering interface to the Program Manager and coordinate execution across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

  • Drive integrated product development activities across systems, hardware, software, integration, test, and certification efforts.


Job description

Job Title: Lead, Program Chief Engineer, Encryption Products

 

Job Code: 43602

 

Job Location: Camden, NJ (on-site)

 

Job Schedule: 9-80 Regular (Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off)

Job Description:

We are seeking a Program Chief Engineer to lead the engineering execution of advanced encryption products within a business focused on aerospace and defense encryption. This role is responsible for end-to-end engineering leadership, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary integration, technical execution, and cost/schedule performance across product development.

The Program Chief Engineer serves as the primary interface between the Program Manager and the multidisciplinary engineering team, partnering closely with engineering functional managers to support team performance and staffing alignment. This leader is accountable for execution of all engineering scope, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule objectives are achieved for the product.

The position requires regular engagement with engineering leadership, functional managers, program management, customers, and operations teams. The successful candidate will bring strong communication skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to deliver disciplined program execution.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead engineering execution for assigned encryption product efforts, with accountability for technical, cost, and schedule performance.
  • Serve as the primary engineering interface to the Program Manager and coordinate execution across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Drive integrated product development activities across systems, hardware, software, integration, test, and certification efforts.
  • Partner with engineering functional managers to support staffing alignment, team effectiveness, and execution of engineering scope.
  • Communicate program status, technical risks, execution issues, and mitigation plans to engineering leadership, program leadership, and other key stakeholders.
  • Ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%, primarily within the U.S.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required program access following hire.

Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline, and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Significant experience in aerospace and defense engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary product development teams.
  • Demonstrated experience managing cost, schedule, and technical performance within complex development programs.
  • Experience in a management or technical leadership role with responsibility for cross-functional team execution.
  • Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
  • Demonstrated success leading engineering development programs for NSA-certified encryption & cryptographic products.
  • Active final U.S. DoD SECRET clearance or higher at time of hire.
  • Prior experience working in SAP, SCI, or similarly controlled environments is required

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.
  • Advanced leadership training, executive leadership certification, or equivalent professional development.
  • Extensive aerospace and defense experience supporting products through development, certification, and transition to production.
  • Experience supporting proposal development, technical planning, and strategic investment initiatives.
  • Experience with advanced cryptographic systems and related waveform technologies.
  • Proven experience leading the engineering development of three or more successfully NSA-certified cryptographic products.
  • At least 10 years of engineering development experience with NSA-certified cryptographic products with a Bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a Master's degree.
  • Demonstrated successful experience integrating high-trust subsystems and software into U.S. DoD systems.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal leadership skills and the ability to build alignment across technical and business teams.
  • Demonstrated executive-level communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain team focus and execution while managing competing priorities and organizational demands.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is US$106,500 MIN - US$197,500 MAX. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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