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Startup Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Robust.ai

Technical Program Manager

San Carlos, CA

$155K - $201K/yr

Robust AI is an early-stage startup founded by an unsurpassed team of veterans in robotics, AI, and ... As a Technical Program Manager at Robust.AI , you will join a small, fast-paced team working to ...

Castelion Corporation

Program Manager

Torrance, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

This is a hands-on program leadership role in a rapidly evolving startup environment where you will ... Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance from contract award through integration, test, and ...

Socket.dev

Chief of Staff

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Startup Program Manager: Proven ability to run concurrent, ambiguous workstreams, write clear product briefs/PRDs, and operate with high autonomy. * Technically Literate: Possess the analytical ...

Sentry

Startups Marketing Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

About the Role Sentry already has a startup program: credits, partner deals with YC and a16z, a ... Experience managing partner relationships (accelerators, VCs, deal platforms) and getting real ...

Monarch Quantum

Technical Program Manager 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ... Prepare program status updates, dashboards, and briefings for stakeholders. * Manage predictable ...

Anthropic

Startup Partnerships Lead

San Francisco, CA

About the role As the Startup Partnerships Lead at Anthropic, you will drive transformative growth ... Proficiency with CRM and reporting tools (e.g., Salesforce) to track pipeline and measure program ...

Monarch Quantum

Technical Program Manager 4

San Diego, CA

$145K - $195K/yr

This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ... Prepare program status updates, dashboards, and briefings for stakeholders. * Manage predictable ...

Monarch Quantum

Technical Program Manager 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You ... Prepare program status updates, dashboards, and briefings for stakeholders. * Manage predictable ...

Matternet

Engineering Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

We're hiring an Engineering Program Manager to be the connective tissue across engineering, quality ... We're a startup building certified aircraft on startup timelines -- plans will change, priorities ...

Black & Veatch

Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

The Opportunity As the Program Manager , you will have the opportunity to: * Manage all aspects of ... startup elements of the project team, including the activities of all third party companies ...

Matternet

Engineering Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

We're hiring an Engineering Program Manager to be the connective tissue across engineering, quality ... We're a startup building certified aircraft on startup timelines - plans will change, priorities ...

Matternet

Engineering Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

We're hiring an Engineering Program Manager to be the connective tissue across engineering, quality ... We're a startup building certified aircraft on startup timelines - plans will change, priorities ...

Black & Veatch

Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Opportunity As the Program Manager , you will have the opportunity to: * Manage all aspects of ... startup elements of the project team, including the activities of all third party companies ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsStartup Program JobsStartup Program Manager JobsStartup Program Manager Jobs in California

Startup Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do startup program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a startup program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Startup Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, business development, and a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with tools like CRM platforms, project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), and metrics tracking systems is typical, and certifications such as PMP can be advantageous. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this dynamic environment. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding startups through growth phases, fostering innovation, and ensuring program objectives are met.

How does a startup program manager typically collaborate with founders and cross-functional teams to drive program success?

A Startup Program Manager often acts as the central point of contact between startup founders, mentors, investors, and internal teams such as marketing, product, and operations. They facilitate communication, coordinate resources, and ensure that startups in the program receive the support they need to reach key milestones. This requires strong relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Collaboration may involve organizing workshops, conducting regular check-ins, and leveraging internal expertise to help startups overcome challenges and scale effectively.

What is the difference between Startup Program Manager vs Startup Project Coordinator?

AspectStartup Program ManagerStartup Project Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, strategic planning, stakeholder managementSupports project execution, schedules, task coordination
Required SkillsProgram management, leadership, communicationOrganization, communication, task management
CertificationsProject Management Professional (PMP), Agile certificationsBasic project management knowledge, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentFast-paced startup, cross-functional teamsTeam support, project-focused environment

The Startup Program Manager typically handles multiple programs, focusing on strategic oversight and stakeholder engagement, while the Startup Project Coordinator supports specific projects with task management and coordination. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Program Manager's role is more strategic and leadership-oriented, whereas the Coordinator's role is more execution-focused.

What is a startup program manager?

A Startup Program Manager is a professional responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing programs that support startup companies, such as accelerators, incubators, or corporate innovation initiatives. They work closely with entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to provide resources, mentorship, and guidance to early-stage companies. Their role involves overseeing program logistics, selecting participants, organizing events, and tracking the progress of startups throughout the program. Startup Program Managers play a crucial role in fostering innovation and helping startups grow and succeed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Startup Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Startup Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Technical Program Manager

Robust.ai

San Carlos, CA

$155K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

About you and this role:
 
Robust AI is an early-stage startup founded by an unsurpassed team of veterans in robotics, AI, and Supply Chain who are dedicated to making the promise of Embodied AI a reality. We are a collaborative group with a diverse set of perspectives, seeking talented individuals who are passionate about making robots that are valuable to customers and delightful to use. Help us redefine the very foundation of robotics and build robots that are smart, safe, and flexible: fully autonomous and truly collaborative. As a Technical Program Manager at Robust.AI , you will join a small, fast-paced team working to deploy, support, and expand the next generation of warehouse robotic systems.  This is a high-visibility role that will provide an opportunity to work with all commercial and technical groups within the Robust.AI organization.  You will possess a unique combination of well-developed cross-functional communication skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership, and organization. You are also comfortable working in an early-stage startup environment, can collaborate with a team, and can pivot effectively.  You will have experience managing highly cross-functional technical products. 
Main responsibilities:
  • Drive end-to-end execution of complex robotic programs for Robust’s product portfolio
  • Drive and motivate the cross-functional team to deliver the product as per the requirements and timeline
  • Drive accountability of cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and deployment
  • Manage requirements for deployment sites and communicate new requirements to the relevant engineering teams
  • Responsible for creating project plans for deployment, including the schedule, timeline and resourcing
  • Communicate program status regularly to the leadership team, anticipate bottlenecks, provide escalation management, anticipate and make trade-offs, and balance the business needs versus technical constraints
What you’ll bring to the table:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related/equivalent work experience
  • 7+ years of experience managing complex technical projects with aggressive schedules
  • Proficient at creating and tracking complex program schedules, managing issues and tracking bugs
  • Able to take large, complex projects and break them down into manageable pieces, develop functional specifications, then deliver them in a timely manner
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Familiar with Agile program management
  • Familiar with product development lifecycles
What we offer:
  • Stock options and huge growth potential
  • Strong startup (and fun) culture
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Flexible vacation and sick leave practices
  • Paid parental leave
Robust AI fosters a culture of belonging and a shared commitment to equality and equity.
Having a diverse set of perspectives is key to ensuring AI and robotics serve the needs of all.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.