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Programming Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Specialist, Mechanical Engineering Job Code: 40485 Job Location: Carlsbad, CA - 100% Onsite Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other ...

Reliability Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$126K - $159K/yr

The Engineering Specialist (ES) will provide technical expertise in designing and conducting reliability assessments to evaluate and improve hardware robustness. Scope of Work The Engineering ...

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Programming Specialist information

See California salary details

$5

$20

$27

How much do programming specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for programming specialist in California is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a programming specialist?

A Programming Specialist is a professional who writes, tests, and maintains computer software and applications. They are skilled in various programming languages and work to ensure that software functions correctly and efficiently. Programming Specialists may also troubleshoot code, collaborate with other IT professionals, and modify existing programs to meet specific needs. Their expertise is essential in developing software solutions for businesses, organizations, or individual clients.

What does a programming specialist do?

A programming specialist writes computer programs and software in a variety of programming languages, often called code, including Java, Python, and C languages. As a programming specialist, your everyday responsibilities involve software design and development. You may work on a project to help improve how your company's technology functions in a variety of ways. For some programming specialists, duties revolve mainly around website coding and creation, whereas others focus primarily on updating databases for client information, human resources, or something similar. In this role, you may even help to develop apps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a programming specialist?

To thrive as a Programming Specialist, you need strong proficiency in programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), software development principles, and usually a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with development environments, version control systems like Git, and sometimes certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality software solutions, efficient project delivery, and seamless collaboration within development teams.

How do programming specialists typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Programming Specialists often work closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers, designers, and quality assurance professionals. Collaboration often involves gathering requirements, discussing project timelines, and ensuring that the developed software aligns with organizational goals. Regular meetings and code reviews are common, allowing for continuous feedback and knowledge sharing. This collaborative environment helps Programming Specialists stay aligned with business needs and fosters opportunities for professional growth through exposure to different perspectives and technical challenges.

What cities in California are hiring for Programming Specialist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Programming Specialist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Programming Specialist jobs in CA?

For Programming Specialist jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Programming Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,050 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Vibroacoustics and Shock Engineer

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Shock and Vibration Section provides technical expertise in the field of dynamic environments to a wide variety of launch and space programs in the defense and civil sectors. We specialize in test support and hardware issue disposition, standards development, technical risk assessments, review and independent generation of environmental design criteria, time and frequency domain signal analysis, and vibroacoustic analysis. Standard work duties range from long-lead projects to rapid turn requests which require quick engineering judgement and hardware intuition. We are looking for a Vibroacoustics and Shock Engineer(Engineering Specialist/Sr Engineering Specialist- Aeronautical and Acoustics Engineering) to help proactively expand and implement its vision for test practice and technical support to get in front of industry, and to increase its collaboration across technical disciplines within and outside of the organization.

This position is in El Segundo, CA., Chantilly, VA., or Huntsville, AL., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Proactively identify areas of necessary development in environmental standards or analysis, work with management and engage teams to execute

  • Lead technical assessments and serve as point of contact on multiple programs/projects, coordinate and contribute to work within and outside of core team

  • Proficiency in dynamic environments testing and instrumentation selection/setup

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff

  • Contribute to engagement with industry and command media updates to test philosophy and recommended practice for newer systems coming online in defense and civil sectors

  • Initiate outreach to other engineering departments and program offices to help solicit collaborative efforts and funding to advance the team's technical and standards development work

  • Present technical and project status briefings to management, internal and external customers, and contractors

  • Travel to customer and contractor facilities to support relevant reviews and dynamic environments testing


What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field

  • 6 or more years of applicable professional or academic experience

  • Experience in dynamic environments testing, instrumentation selection/setup, and analysis

  • Working knowledge of finite element analysis approach and other computational methods for the solution of problems in vibroacoustics

  • Working knowledge of statistical energy analysis and boundary element analysis

  • Experience in data processing and spectral analysis of dynamic signals

  • Experience in Wave6 or other commercial vibroacoustics code

  • Ability to present results effectively in briefings and technical reports to teams, management, program offices, Air Force, and industry contractors

  • Familiarity with Python programming language

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Acoustics Engineering include:

  • 10 or more years applicable professional or educational experience

  • Relevant experience in spacecraft vibroacoustic and shock analysis and testing

  • Demonstration of dynamic environments technical assessments and standards tailoring made in conjunction with outside disciplines

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree(s) in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field with related coursework in structural dynamics

  • 15 or more years of applicable professional experience in structural dynamics or similar field

  • Proficiency in commercial vibroacoustic and finite element analysis tools, such as Wave6, VA One, FEMAP, Hypermesh, or NASTRAN

  • Experience in analytical methods to solve problems in vibroacoustics and shock

  • Hands-on hardware experience, at or outside of workplace

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.