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Software Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Samsung Electronics

GPU Software Program Manager

San Jose, CA

$180K - $297K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role and Responsibilities As a GPU Software Program Manager, you will drive program management execution for Samsung's GPU software development programs - spanning pre-silicon development, post ...

Qualcomm

Datacenter Software Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$171.20 - $256.80/hr

Job Area Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Program Management General Summary The Qualcomm Datacenter is developing hardware and software solutions spanning the data center ...

Veeco

Senior Software Program Manager (19881)

San Jose, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Software Program Manager, you will drive planning and execution of complex software releases by balancing engineering capacity, product priorities, and delivery timelines. You'll operate ...

Qualcomm

Senior AI Software Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$154K - $231K/yr

Works closely with product management, technology core teams, systems, software, and other leads and program managers to ensure successful and timely delivery of a quality product. Roll-up and ...

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All JobsSoftware Program JobsSoftware Program Manager JobsSoftware Program Manager Jobs in California

Software Program Manager information

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How much do software program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for software program manager in California is $60.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.77 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software program manager?

Software Program Managers are professionals who oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that software products meet business goals and quality standards. Their role involves risk management, stakeholder communication, and resolving any issues that could impact project success. Software Program Managers act as a bridge between technical teams and business leaders to ensure alignment throughout the software development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software program manager?

To thrive as a Software Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, software development life cycles, and a relevant degree, often complemented by experience in leading technical teams. Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, and Agile or Scrum certifications is typically required for planning and tracking progress. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for aligning teams and managing expectations. These competencies are vital to deliver projects on time, within scope, and to ensure effective collaboration among cross-functional teams.

How does a software program manager typically collaborate with development and QA teams to ensure project success?

A Software Program Manager works closely with both development and QA teams to align project timelines, clarify requirements, and address roadblocks as they arise. They facilitate regular meetings, such as stand-ups or sprint reviews, to ensure everyone is on the same page and that priorities are being met. By acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders, Program Managers help ensure that quality standards are maintained while deadlines are achieved. Effective communication and proactive issue resolution are key aspects of their collaboration with these teams.

What is the difference between Software Program Manager vs Software Project Manager?

AspectSoftware Program ManagerSoftware Project Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, aligns them with business goals, manages interdependenciesManages individual software projects, focuses on scope, schedule, and deliverables
CertificationsPMI-ACP, PMP, Agile certifications often preferredPMP, Scrum Master, Agile certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-project coordination, stakeholder communicationDay-to-day project execution, team management, task tracking
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations managing multiple projectsCommon in both small and large teams focusing on specific projects

While both roles involve project management skills, a Software Program Manager oversees multiple related projects to ensure strategic alignment, whereas a Software Project Manager focuses on the successful delivery of individual projects. The Program Manager handles broader coordination and stakeholder communication, often requiring similar certifications but with a focus on program-level objectives.

Are software program managers in high demand?

Software program managers are in high demand due to the growth of technology companies and the need for effective project coordination. They often require strong leadership, technical knowledge, and experience with project management tools like Agile or Scrum. The role is expected to grow as organizations increasingly rely on software development and digital transformation.

What does a software program manager do?

A software program manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects, coordinating teams, managing schedules, and ensuring project goals are met. They often work with cross-functional teams, utilize project management tools, and require strong communication and organizational skills.

What are popular job titles related to Software Program Manager jobs in California?

For Software Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Software Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Program Manager job openings:

Software Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,826 per year, or $61 per hour.

Datacenter Software Program Manager

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is developing hardware and software solutions for the data center and edge markets. The Datacenter Software Program Manager will oversee program execution, manage budgets, and ensure alignment with stakeholders while driving the program from initiation through delivery.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborates with key stakeholders and program sponsors to develop goals, set the prioritization of deliverables, and discuss necessary priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Manages and takes responsibility for multiple small programs/technology with moderate complexity or a single complex program/technology by applying up-to-date program management knowledge to meet deadlines.
• Develops and manages the execution of the program Plan of Record (e.g., on time, on budget, within scope) for multiple small programs or a single medium-sized or complex programs/technologies which includes schedule and resource forecasting, stakeholder identification, method and frequency of communication, scope, and prioritization.
• Tracks and manages all key metrics pertaining to a program and identifies when metrics deviate significantly from Plan of Record; escalates issues in a timely manner and proposes corrective actions.
• Manages and prioritizes the work of the program team by establishing schedules, task assignments, and tracking tasks of team members.
• Identifies program issues/risks and creates a risk mitigation plan for multiple small programs or a single medium sized or complex program. Maintains and updates the risk tracker.
• Helps to promote program vision and objectives within own team and ensures program objectives are met or exceeded.
• Supports the adoption of processes by applying best practices and identifying and recommending process improvement opportunities within respective programs.
• Work with software product management team to define end-to-end software and long-term maintenance strategy
• Drive an extensive ecosystem of third-party software developers while identifying opportunities for software reuse that result in software roadmap optimizations.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 4+ years of Program Management or related work experience.
• Position requires to be in San Diego full time, 5 days a week.
Preferred:
• Master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of Program Management or related work experience in the Semiconductor industry, Telecommunications, and/or Developer Ecosystems.
• 3+ years of Engineering, Product, or Program Management experience on x86 or ARM platforms/ecosystem.
• 3+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership (e.g., Director level and above).
• 2+ years of Engineering experience on AI products or applications.
• Understanding of software stacks and Linux-based distributions.
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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