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Science Program Manager Jobs in Santa Monica, CA

CHAOS Industries

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

S. in engineering, computer science, business, or other related field, and/or equivalent Program Management experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment * 5+ years of Project/Program Management ...

CHAOS Industries

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

S. in engineering, computer science, business, or other related field, and/or equivalent Program Management experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment * 5+ years of Project/Program Management ...

MediaAlpha

Technical Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $160K/yr

Hybrid role: 3 days/week in office As a Technical Program Manager at MediaAlpha you'll sit at the nexus of Data Science, Engineering, Business, and our external customers. You'll lead a functional ...

Peraton

Program Manager - Space Program

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

A bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or Math, or related technical discipline, and 16 ... Experience managing large ($50M plus) projects with respect to cost, schedule, performance, and ...

Peraton

Program Manager - Space Program

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

A bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or Math, or related technical discipline, and 16 ... Experience managing large ($50M plus) projects with respect to cost, schedule, performance, and ...

Syner-G

Sr. Program Manager

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$121K - $122K/yr

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manager to serve as a strategic partner to ... Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering ...

Na Oiwi Kane

Program Manager, SME

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in, Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field Preferred * Master's degree (MBA, MIS, MPM, or related) * DAWIA Program Management Level ...

Moog, Inc.

Staff Program Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$160K - $227K/yr

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, with a minimum of ten years of professional work experience, preferably in engineering and/ or program management. * Typically, Six + years of Program Management ...

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All JobsScience Program JobsScience Program Manager JobsScience Program Manager Jobs in Santa Monica, CA

Science Program Manager information

See Santa Monica, CA salary details

$43.2K

$120.6K

$176.2K

How much do science program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for science program manager in Santa Monica, CA is $120,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $148,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Are science program managers in high demand?

Science program managers are in high demand due to the growth of research initiatives, government funding, and private sector innovation. They often require strong project management skills, knowledge of scientific processes, and relevant certifications, making their roles critical in coordinating complex scientific projects across various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Science Program Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA?

For Science Program Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Science Program Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Science Program Manager jobs in Santa Monica, CA are:

What cities near Santa Monica, CA are hiring for Science Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Monica, CA with the most Science Program Manager job openings:

Science Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Program Manager job openings in Santa Monica, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,625 per year, or $58 per hour.

Program Manager

Science Applications International Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 226 rated it services

Job description


SAIC's Horizon 2 program is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Program Manager to lead a complex systems acquisition and perform project management within the Space Combat Power systems portfolio. This role requires extensive expertise in government weapon systems acquisition, program management, strategic planning, and program integration to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). This position is located in El Segundo, CA.
You will serve as a critical embedded member of the Government applying advanced project management principles to shape and deliver the next generation capability. The role emphasizes leveraging tailored, rapid acquisition frameworks while integrating space, ground, and mission segments. Your management expertise will be instrumental in driving program planning, risk mitigation, financial oversight, and execution excellence in alignment with the evolving Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) philosophy.
Fun stuff you will do on the job:
  • Support the Government Program Manager guiding acquisition strategies, program schedules, resource allocation, contracting actions, and budgeting to align with mission objectives and priorities.
  • Oversee all aspects of program execution, including delivery milestones, risk management, testing, system integration, and contractor management.
  • Drive cross-functional communication to ensure seamless integration of government and contractor teams across space, ground, and communication segments.
  • Organize and execute periodic technical interchange meetings (TIMs) and staff meetings to track progress, identify risks, and course-correct as necessary.
  • Apply advanced configuration and change management practices to ensure consistency and traceability across all program artifacts, including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Performance Goals, and milestones.
  • Evaluate contractor system designs and milestone reviews, providing timely assessments of technical progress, risks, and the ability to achieve mission requirements.
  • Manage independent technical and programmatic reviews to validate system effectiveness.
  • Provide expert guidance on funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures, ensuring effective utilization of resources with a focus on on-time project delivery.
  • Advocate for deliberate risk-taking, speed in delivery execution, and adherence to the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) for rapid capability fielding.

Qualifications
This is you:
  • Bachelors and fifteen (15) years or more of related experience; Masters and thirteen (13) years or more experience.
  • Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in the Continuous Evaluation program (if applicable).
  • Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartment Information and Special Access Programs and willing to consent to a Polygraph examination.
  • Program Management or leadership experience on complex systems.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in the Aerospace or DoD working across space, ground segment organizations to coordinate and identify system integration requirements that ensure end-to-end mission performance requirements are met.
  • Experience serving as a team, project or program manager on performance-based contracts for the U.S. Government, experience developing cost and schedule deliverables and managing to baseline costs and schedules to include the identification and management of risks, demonstrated experience working with Air Force/DoD customers in an acquisition environment, with space and/or ground systems.
  • Experience writing and delivering documents and briefings.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills to enable working, interfacing, and interrelating with diverse personnel and dynamic teams.

About Us
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.

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