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Science Program Manager Jobs in El Cajon, CA (NOW HIRING)

... Science, or related field. • 2+ years of Program Management or related work experience. Preferred ... Qualifications * Experience with semiconductor-based systems, modules, or embedded hardware ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $93K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and ... Bachelor's degree in behavioral science and threeyearsof experience orassociate's degree in ...

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. • 5+ years of Program Management or related work experience. Preferred Qualifications: • Master ...

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. • 2+ years of Program Management or related work experience. Level of Responsibility: * Working ...

MSIP Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$154K - $231K/yr

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. • 4+ years of Program Management or related work experience. Qualcomm is an equal opportunity ...

Lead Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$168K - $205K/yr

MA staff combine with other science and engineering staff from the various STR research and ... As a Program Manager (PM) in the Mission Applications Group, we are looking for a leader who is ...

Lead Program Manager

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$168K - $205K/yr

Lead Program Manager About the Team The Mission Applications (MA) Group within the AC2 Division ... MA staff combine with other science and engineering staff from the various STR research and ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material ... Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field ...

Program Manager II

Poway, CA · On-site

$90K - $162K/yr

Manage and monitor program schedules, timelines, milestones, and assigned resources from program ... Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

This role will report to the senior program manager and focus on leading project managers that are ... Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field ...

Program Manager II

Poway, CA · On-site

$90K - $162K/yr

Manages programs which have well defined program plans and delivery methodologies. Leads all phases ... Masters or higher in physics, material science, or chemistry.

Lead Program Manager

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$168K - $205K/yr

Lead Program Manager About the Team The Mission Applications (MA) Group within the AC2 Division ... MA staff combine with other science and engineering staff from the various STR research and ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

... Science and Technology labs such as AFRL, NRL, DARPA, and others. The candidate will be responsible ... Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including ...

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Science Program Manager information

See El Cajon, CA salary details

$40.2K

$112.2K

$163.9K

How much do science program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for science program manager in El Cajon, CA is $112,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $138,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Science Program Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectScience Program ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science, project management certifications often preferredAdvanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a scientific field
Work EnvironmentProject coordination, cross-functional teams, administrative tasksLaboratory research, data analysis, experimental work
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, government agenciesUniversities, research labs, industry R&D
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in scienceScientific research and experimental work

The main difference is that a Science Program Manager oversees scientific projects, coordinating teams and resources, while a Research Scientist conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require strong scientific credentials, but their daily tasks and focus differ significantly.

What does a Science Program Manager do?

A Science Program Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific projects and programs. They work closely with research teams, stakeholders, and funding agencies to ensure that projects meet their objectives, stay within budget, and adhere to timelines. Their responsibilities often include grant management, facilitating communication between different departments, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Science Program Managers play a key role in translating scientific goals into actionable plans and helping organizations achieve their research and development objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Science Program Manager?

To excel as a Science Program Manager, you need a strong background in scientific research or project management, typically supported by an advanced degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana) and certification such as PMP can be highly valuable. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills are crucial for managing teams and coordinating across departments. These skills ensure effective alignment of scientific objectives, timely project delivery, and successful collaboration among stakeholders.

How does a Science Program Manager typically collaborate with researchers and cross-functional teams?

Science Program Managers play a crucial role in connecting researchers with other departments such as engineering, product development, and regulatory affairs. They coordinate project timelines, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and help resolve scientific or logistical challenges that arise during research initiatives. Regular meetings, status updates, and collaborative planning sessions are typical, allowing the Program Manager to ensure that projects remain aligned with broader organizational goals while supporting the innovative work of research teams.
What are popular job titles related to Science Program Manager jobs in El Cajon, CA? For Science Program Manager jobs in El Cajon, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Science Program Manager jobs in El Cajon, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Science Program Manager jobs in El Cajon, CA are:
What cities near El Cajon, CA are hiring for Science Program Manager jobs? Cities near El Cajon, CA with the most Science Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Science Program Manager job openings in El Cajon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,189 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

SAIC is seeking an experienced and innovative Program Manager (PM) to oversee and execute a large-scale Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) program supporting the U.S. Navy and other strategic government sponsors. This position involves managing a combination of cost-reimbursable contracts for the rapid development, proof of concept, and prototyping, and of cutting-edge adaptive warfare technologies for IO, ISR, METOC and MPTE programs. As the PM for PMW 120, you will ensure program alignment with customer objectives by delivering results on time, on budget, and exceeding expectations.

The program focuses on battlespace awareness and Information Warfare capabilities and adaptive warfare systems designed to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for various asset types and modalities. It supports accelerated development and fielding of various technologies to address emergent warfighter requirements. The PM will play a critical role in driving program success by managing resource allocation, refining requirements, mitigating risks, overseeing production lines, and fostering collaboration.

This role is located in San Diego, CA and requires you to be on government site daily. Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Lead Strategic Execution: Serve as the Program Manager, driving program schedules, acquisition strategies, contracting, resource allocation, and budgeting to achieve mission objectives.
  • Government-Contractor Integration: Foster clear and effective communication across cross-functional teams, including government sponsors, suppliers, and internal SAIC functions, for seamless integration.
  • Systems Engineering and Testing: Oversee performance refinement, integration challenges, testing, reliability evaluations, and sustainment solutions.
  • Risk and Cost Management: Identify program risks, cost drivers, and mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution of cost-reimbursable contract requirements.
  • Innovation Validation: Support customer objectives by validating analytical models, exploring novel uses of fielded technologies, and improving operational employment to meet customer requirements and strategic initiatives.
  • Assess and Enhance Programs: Requirements Definition, Strategic Planning, and Stakeholder Analysis.
  • Ensure contract deliverables are submitted on a timeline basis.
  • Responsible for all corporate financial and technical reviews of program performance.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

  • Bachelors and eighteen (18) years or more of related experience; Masters and sixteen (16) years or more experience.

Clearance:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must have an Active TS/SCI clearance to start.

Certifications:

  • PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification Or education and equivalent experience. 
  • AFE / Agile Certification.

Experience:

  • Hands-on experience with U.S. Government programs, particularly with Department of Defense (DoD)/ Department of War (DoW) projects.
  • 10 or more years' experience in working in the IC community (NSA, NGA etc.).
  • Formulation, understanding and development of Mission threads in support of theater effects.
  • Working knowledge of IO, ISR and MPTE systems, data flows and kill chain integration.
  • Experience with PMW 120 Program of Record and projects.
  • Working knowledge of SoS and FoS integration for complex systems. 
  • Working knowledge of the next generation shipboard electronic warfare system and the unique challenges it has encountered.
  • Understanding of how digital modeling and human systems integration contribute to mission engineering and mission thread development.
  • Working knowledge with implementation and execution of strategic/cultural transformation initiatives.
  • Understanding of cost modeling, reliability analysis, and sustainment strategies for defense systems.
  • PEO C4I Echelon II acquisition experience.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Background in Battlespace Awareness and Information Operations Warfare capabilities IO, ISR, METOC and MPTE mission systems and programs to include: Distributed Operations, Ship's Signal Exploitation Equipment Family of Systems (SSEE FoS), Spectral, Horizon, Distributed Common Ground System-Navy Family of Systems (DCGS-N FoS), Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental System Next Generation (NITES-Next), Littoral Battlespace Sensing - Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (LBS-UUV FoS), Real Time Spectrum Operations, Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare /Integrated Fires (EMW IF), Tactical Edge Targeting and Mission Planning and Theater Effects.

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