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Software Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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Software Program Manager information

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How much do software program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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:

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, Senior

San Diego, CA • On-site

Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Program Management
General Summary:
General Summary:
The Qualcomm Datacenter team stands at the forefront of innovation, crafting cutting-edge hardware and software solutions that transform the data center, edge, and infrastructure landscapes. Our advanced Datacenter products are trusted and utilized by some of the world's most prominent organizations, powering critical operations, at scale. As we embark on an exciting phase of rapid expansion, we are actively seeking talented professionals across diverse disciplines to join us in shaping the future of technology and delivering breakthrough deployments on a global stage.
Job Description
**This position is not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship.**
**Position requires to be in the San Diego office, 5 days a week**
Job Overview:
Develops, defines, and executes plans of record, including schedules, budgets, resources, deliverables, and risks. Monitors and drives the program from initiation through delivery, interfacing with internal and external stakeholders across functions. Monitors budget/spending, on-time delivery, and achievement of program milestones. Represents the program and drives alignment across stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in 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, Program Management experience on x86 or ARM or RISK V platforms/ecosystem.
• 3+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership (e.g., VP level and above).
  • 2+ years of experience working in a medium-to-large matrixed organization.
  • 2+ years of experience with program management tools such as dashboards, Gantt charts, etc.

• 2+ years of Engineering experience on AI products or applications
• Understanding of software stacks and Linux-based distributions.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Establish Plan of Record (POR): ensure roadmap/requirements baseline, project priorities, requirements change control, driving synchronization across several development teams, coordinate and synchronize external deliverables, and schedules among many worldwide design centers, etc.
  • Drive planning/scheduling: develop the execution schedule to include staffing needs and interdependencies.
  • Coordinates department schedules, resources etc. and develops program master schedule, work plans, checklists, design reviews, and resource requirements
  • Establish routine update & communications process: update status, schedule trends versus baseline, risk management, mitigation and recovery actions, etc.
  • Develop program indicators to push information to internal teams and management, develop content and present at monthly program reviews.
  • Partner with other functional areas to establish critical processes to support disciplined product development and decision making and to ensure quality.
  • Interfaces with internal departments, (contracts, legal, design and product engineering, technical publications, product support, etc.), to be aware of each department's priorities, available resources etc.
  • Coordinates across multiple development sites will be required. This includes different Qualcomm sites as well as contractors, both domestic and international. International travel to other development and customer sites may also be required
  • Organizes and leads interdepartmental meetings (i.e. leads meetings with engineering, technical publications and/or product support), to set project milestones, define project tasks, establish program policies and processes and allocate resources
  • Responsible for establishing project milestones, definition of project tasks, establishing program policies and processes and allocation of resources. Delegates project assignments to internal departments where required.
  • Develops control systems and methods to accurately monitor and measure program progress, identify potential problems for each internal department, identify risks, and to then develop and maintain risk matrix with mitigation and contingency strategies, monitor adherence to program master plans and schedules.
  • Troubleshoots program issues and helps to develop alternative program tasks, schedules, milestones, processes etc. to resolve program issues.
  • Communicates project status, issues, and recommends mitigation plans to cross-functional core and executive teams.
  • Participate in design reviews and coordinate or assure compliance to design or department checklists and procedures. May interface with customer or supplier directly on a regular basis throughout the life cycle of program.
  • 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.

Ideal Candidate Will have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or related field.
  • 4+ years of Program Management or related work experience.
  • 3+ years of working with operating budgets, resources, and/or project financials.
  • 2+ years of experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership (e.g., VP level and above).
  • 1+ years of experience working in a medium-to-large matrixed organization.
  • 1+ years of experience with program management tools such as dashboards, Gantt charts, etc.
  • Note: Only candidates with direct experience in semiconductor development experience will be considered.

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 employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$154,400.00 - $231,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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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