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Software Program Manager Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior Software Program Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The NVIDIA Automotive Software team has a key opening for a Senior Software Program Manager. This group is responsible for the delivery of the core development programs (DRIVE OS) which form the ...

Nvidia

Senior Software Program Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The NVIDIA Automotive Software team has a key opening for a Senior Software Program Manager. This group is responsible for the delivery of the core development programs (DRIVE OS) which form the ...

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Software Program Manager information

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$44

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How much do software program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for software program manager in San Jose, CA is $72.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66.20 and $79.71 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 San Jose, CA?

For Software Program Manager jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Program Manager jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Program Manager jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Software Program Manager jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Software Program Manager job openings:

Software Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Program Manager job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,611 per year, or $72.4 per hour.

Senior Software Program Manager

Veeco Instruments, Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Veeco
You probably don't realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It's a bold statement, but it's true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world's collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us.
We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world's leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.
We're looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers.
Overview
Veeco's laser annealing systems power next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. Delivering them requires tightly coordinated software releases across hardware, control systems, and customer commitments.
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 at the center of Engineering, Product, and Operations to ensure predictable, high-quality outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own the end-to-end planning and execution of software releases across multiple engineering teams supporting semiconductor equipment platforms.
  • Develop, maintain, and continuously refine integrated release schedules that balance engineering capacity, product priorities, and customer commitments.
  • Drive capacity planning and prioritization discussions, ensuring alignment between available resources and release scope.
  • Partner closely with Product Line Management (PLM) to translate roadmap inputs, customer requirements, and business priorities into executable release plans.
  • Identify schedule risks, resource constraints, and cross-team dependencies early, and drive clarity on tradeoffs and mitigation strategies.
  • Lead cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Product, Operations, and Service, particularly in scenarios involving competing priorities or ambiguous requirements.
  • Navigate and resolve conflicts by facilitating difficult conversations and driving decisions in high-pressure, time-constrained environments.
  • Provide clear, concise, and actionable program updates to engineering leadership, product leadership, and executive stakeholders.
  • Drive accountability through milestone ownership, action tracking, and outcome-based execution.
  • Improve release predictability, execution efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration through process, tooling, and governance enhancements.
  • Contribute to the evolution of Veeco's program management practices, including planning frameworks, release processes, and tooling (e.g., MS Project, CI/CD workflows).

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience). 8+ years of experience in software program management, technical program management, or large-scale software delivery roles.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in semiconductor equipment, capital equipment, industrial automation, or embedded/control software environments.
  • Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and release automation tools.
  • Program or project management certification (PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or equivalent).
  • Experience with tools like MS Project

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, hybrid, or waterfall) and release management practices.
  • Ability to influence without authority across engineering, product, operations, and service organizations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfort presenting to senior and executive leadership.

Salary and BenefitsThe expected salary range for this position is $150,930 - $211,185, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay.
Other benefits include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Life and Accident Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Identity Theft Remediation
  • Emergency Travel Assistance

Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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