ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viasat, Inc.

Program Materials Planner

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $225K/yr

What you'll do The Program Materials Planner plays a pivotal role in coordinating materials for Engineer-to-Order (ETO) programs, including government contracts. Their responsibilities encompass ...

Viasat, Inc.

Program Materials Planner

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

What you'll do The Program Materials Planner plays a pivotal role in coordinating materials for Engineer-to-Order (ETO) programs, including government contracts. Their responsibilities encompass ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram Planner JobsProgram Planner Jobs in California

Program Planner information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$83.4K

$162.3K

How much do program planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for program planner in California is $83,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $99,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Planners when coordinating multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Planners often manage several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing priorities, ensuring clear communication among diverse teams, and adapting to shifting deadlines. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to keep projects on track and aligned with overall organizational goals. Additionally, Program Planners regularly collaborate with project managers, stakeholders, and team members, requiring a proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Planner, you need strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, typically backed by a relevant degree such as business administration or project management. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, ERP systems, and certification such as PMP or CAPM is often required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and managing shifting priorities. These skills are crucial for ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet organizational objectives.

What Is a Program Planner?

A program planner’s job entails obtaining knowledge about the company’s overall goals and using that information to develop or manage specific programs or projects that further those goals. As a program planner, your duties are to provide support to various team members who carry out daily, weekly, or monthly tasks to streamline their workflows. To succeed in improving the quality and efficacy of programs, you provide support when it comes to operating budgets, overseeing the schedule for projects, and identifying areas for improvement. This job requires excellent communication, multitasking, and organizational skills. Qualifications for this career typically include a bachelor’s degree in business administration and prior experience in a relevant role.

Is a program coordinator a hard job?

A program coordinator role can be demanding as it involves managing multiple projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring deadlines are met. The job requires strong organizational skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities, and workload can vary depending on the organization and scope of programs.

What does a program planner do?

A program planner is responsible for developing, organizing, and managing projects or programs within an organization. They create schedules, allocate resources, coordinate teams, and monitor progress to ensure objectives are met on time and within budget. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are essential for this role.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for jobs often refers to the expectation that new employees, including program planners, should demonstrate their skills and adapt to the role within the first three months of employment. This period is commonly used for onboarding, training, and initial performance evaluations to ensure fit and productivity. It is also a typical timeframe for probationary periods in many organizations.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Program Planner, high-paying roles often include senior project management, program management, or executive positions in large organizations, which can reach or exceed $300,000 annually with experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These roles typically require strong organizational skills, industry knowledge, and often advanced degrees or certifications like PMP or PgMP.

What is the difference between Program Planner vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram PlannerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in planning, management, or related field; certifications like PMP are commonUsually needs a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies, non-profits, or large organizations focusing on long-term program developmentWorks across various industries managing specific projects within larger programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in public sector, healthcare, education, and large corporate programsCommon in construction, IT, marketing, and event planning

Program Planners focus on designing and managing comprehensive programs with multiple projects, emphasizing strategic planning and long-term goals. Project Coordinators handle specific projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within scope. While both roles require organizational skills and certifications like PMP or CAPM, Program Planners have a broader scope involving program-level oversight, whereas Project Coordinators focus on individual project execution.

More about Program Planner jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Planner jobs in California? The most popular types of Program Planner jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Planner jobs in California? For Program Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Planner jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Program Planner jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Program Planner jobs? Cities in California with the most Program Planner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Program Planner jobs in CA? For Program Planner jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Program Planner jobs near you
Program Materials Planner

Program Materials Planner

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA • Hybrid

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Viasat rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 80 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

The Program Materials Planner plays a pivotal role in coordinating materials for Engineer-to-Order (ETO) programs, including government contracts. Their responsibilities encompass planning, NPI coordination, and program oversight—from initial concepts to post-production. They handle critical tasks such as CTBs, ETCs, ECOs, BOMs, RFPs, and month-end processes. With expertise in ETO/FAR regulations, they ensure a seamless program flow. If you thrive on mastering sophisticated systems, this role is an ideal fit!


The day-to-day
  • Take ownership of the materials plan for assigned programs, proactively 
    identifying and closing gaps to support schedule.
  • Become an authority in Bill of Materials (BOM), Material Requirements Planning 
    (MRP), and Master Production Schedule (MPS) for accurate demand planning.
  • Collaborate across departments—from production control to engineering and 
    procurement—to ensure materials needs are met.
  • Develop solutions to maintain a seamless flow of raw materials, sub-assemblies, 
    and purchased parts necessary to fulfll our contractual needs.
  • Partner with engineering and program management to understand the 
    manufacturing and material aspects of builds.
  • Continuously improve processes and optimize inventory, considering Just-inTime and other relevant techniques.
  • Apply data analysis skills to optimize outcomes.

What you'll need
  • 7+ years of proven experience in an engineering and manufacturing environment 
    or equivalent.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business Management, Supply 
    Chain Management, or quantitative fields.
  • In-depth knowledge of MRP, MPS, EVMS, and EAC/ETC, and Clear-to-Build principles.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems and a passion for continuous improvement.
  • Understanding of inventory management techniques like Just-in-Time.
  • Teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence without direct 
    authority.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Must be able to work out of the Carlsbad, CA office 3 days per week; hybrid role.

What will help you on the job
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Professional certifications (APICS CPSM/CPIM a plus).
  • Experience in research and development (R&D) environments.
  • Familiarity with working with external contract manufacturers.
  • Problem-solving skills beyond your immediate area.
  • Experience in multi-functional teams.
  • Ability to develop sophisticated planning and analysis tools.

#LI-VSAT 


Salary range
$121,000.00 - $191,500.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $150,500.00- $225,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of proven experience in an engineering and manufacturing environment 
    or equivalent.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business Management, Supply 
    Chain Management, or quantitative fields.
  • In-depth knowledge of MRP, MPS, EVMS, and EAC/ETC, and Clear-to-Build principles.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems and a passion for continuous improvement.
  • Understanding of inventory management techniques like Just-in-Time.
  • Teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence without direct 
    authority.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Must be able to work out of the Carlsbad, CA office 3 days per week; hybrid role.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME
ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986

View All ViaSat Jobs

Apply