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Software Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Software Program Manager information

See California salary details

$37

$60

$78

How much do software program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 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 are Software Program Managers?

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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Program Manager, and why are they important?

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,826 per year, or $61 per hour.
Data Center Technical Software Program Manager

Data Center Technical Software Program Manager

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 191 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Program Management
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.
**Position requires to be onsite in San Diego, 5 days a week
Job Overview:
Develops, defines, and executes Application SW plans of record, including schedules, budgets, resources, deliverables, and risks across multiple large projects. 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:
• 7+ years of experience in a combination of technical product development and program management in the industry.
  • Strong technical understanding of Application software and deliverables.
  • Strong working knowledge of software development principles.
  • Experience with multiple technology development and end-to-end product integration.
  • Experience managing products through the entire development life cycle, including risk management.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Build strong technical and program understanding to develop key insights and influence.
  • Drive and deliver overall program alignment and execution across multiple projects.
  • Understand requirements priority and drive scoping and planning, including interdependencies, staffing constraints, and schedule optimization across multiple projects.
  • Partner with Product Management and Engineering to establish clear Plan of Records commitments and enable prioritization.
  • Establish rigorous execution discipline and communication processes, including risk management, mitigation, tracking, schedule trends vs. baseline, recovery actions, and executive reporting.
  • Develop program indicators to manage program health, including quality and timelines.
  • Develop and establish strong processes that streamline the development cycle and integrate multiple plans, dependencies, and deliverables effectively.
  • Manage stakeholder expectations, channel requirements to respective development teams, and drive consensus on development schedules, plans, and processes.
  • Use verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information to multiple audiences, requiring strong negotiation and alignment skills.
  • Work independently with little supervision.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:
  • 5+ years of experience in a combination of technical product development and program management in the SoC /embedded industry.
  • Strong technical understanding of XXX technology and deliverables.
  • Strong working knowledge of hardware/software development principles at the SoC / embedded industry.
  • Experience with multiple technology development and end-to-end product integration.
  • Experience managing products through the entire development life cycle, including risk management.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of Program Management or related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• PMP Certification.
• 10+ years of Program Management or related work experience.
• 5+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership (e.g., Director level and above).
• 3+ years of experience working in a large matrixed organization.
• 2+ years of experience with program management tools such as dashboards, Gantt charts, etc.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Collaborates with key stakeholders and program sponsors to develop program goals, set the prioritization of deliverables, discuss involvement of business processes (e.g., program change management, communication) and drives decisions necessary for on time delivery.
• Manages and takes responsibility for multiple medium sized programs/technology with moderate complexity 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 medium sized programs which include schedule and resource forecasting, stakeholders identification, method and frequency of communication, scope, and prioritization.
• Establishes key program metrics and manages team to take action outside their comfort zone to ensure program success when metrics deviate from Plan of Record.
• Identifies and secures resources to ensure alignment of team with program/technology demand for multiple medium sized programs with moderate complexity.
• Drives teams to identify program issues/risks, and create a risk mitigation plan for multiple medium sized or a single complex program(s). Maintains and updates the risk tracker.
• Promotes program vision and objectives within the team, ensures program objectives are met or exceeded, presents program vision to management, and gains buy-in from stakeholders.
• Promotes adoption of processes by applying best practices and identifying and executing process improvement initiatives across the Program Management team.
Level of Responsibility:
• Working independently with little supervision.
• Making decisions that are significant in impact; errors are not readily apparent due to the complexity of work process/product or time between decisions and results; errors typically result in significant expenditure of time, resources, and funds to correct.
• Using verbal and written communication skills to convey complex and/or detailed information to multiple individuals/audiences with differing knowledge levels. May require strong negotiation and influence, communication to large groups or high-level constituents.
• Having a moderate amount of influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., is consulted by senior leadership to provide input on key decisions).
• Completing tasks that require multiple steps that can be performed in various orders; tasks require simultaneously executing multiple cognitive abilities and maintaining information in short- or long-term memory.
• Exercising exceptional creativity to innovate new ideas and develop innovative products/processes without established objectives or known parameters.
• Using deductive and inductive problem solving; multiple approaches may be taken/necessary to solve the problem; often information is missing or conflicting; advanced data analysis and interpretation skills are required.
• Occasionally participates in strategic planning within own area affecting immediate operations.
The responsibilities of this role do not include:
• Financial accountability (e.g., does not involve budgeting responsibility).
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:
$171,200.00 - $256,800.00
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