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Startup Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Program Manager, Commercial

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere ... Program Management certification Compensation and Benefits: * Base salary range for this role is ...

HumanSignal

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA

$152K - $196K/yr

Track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise programs * Metrics-driven: owns and ... Background in startup ops, management consulting, or forward-deployed engineering * Experience ...

K2 Space

Spacecraft Program Manager (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high ... Experience with management or program leadership. * Proven ability to innovate in process ...

K2 Space

Spacecraft Program Manager (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high ... Experience with management or program leadership. * Proven ability to innovate in process ...

Orkes

Technical Program Manager

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Role We are seeking a highly driven Technical Program Manager (TPM) to join our agile core team ... Growth: Accelerate your career by contributing to an early-stage, growth-mode startup alongside ...

Bowers & Wilkins

Senior Program Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$141K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

In May 2016, this new era was ushered as Silicon Valley startup EVA Automation, led by Gideon Yu ... The Sr. Program Manager will be responsible for the overall planning and execution of complex ...

Nace AI

Technical Program Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Experience at an early-stage or high-growth startup where you built program management practices from scratch. * Experience managing programs involving ML/LLM product development - model releases ...

Orkes

Technical Program Manager

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $180K/yr

The Role We are seeking a highly driven Technical Program Manager (TPM) to join our agile core team ... Growth: Accelerate your career by contributing to an early-stage, growth-mode startup alongside ...

Bowers & Wilkins

Senior Program Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$141K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

In May 2016, this new era was ushered as Silicon Valley startup EVA Automation, led by Gideon Yu ... The Sr. Program Manager will be responsible for the overall planning and execution of complex ...

Xdof

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA

$152K - $196K/yr

Who You Are * Background: 2-5 years of project management experience; background in AI data ... Startup Mindset: Thrives in -- and genuinely enjoys -- fast-moving, ambiguously defined early-stage ...

CesiumAstro

Senior Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$193K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

If you enjoy working in a startup environment and managing multiple fast paced projects at once, we would like to hear from you. In this position, you will be responsible for program performance and ...

CesiumAstro

Senior Program Manager

El Segundo, CA

$193K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

If you enjoy working in a startup environment and managing multiple fast paced projects at once, we would like to hear from you. In this position, you will be responsible for program performance and ...

CesiumAstro

Senior Program Manager

El Segundo, CA

$193K - $236K/yr

If you enjoy working in a startup environment and managing multiple fast paced projects at once, we would like to hear from you.  In this position, you will be responsible for program performance ...

K2 Space

RF Payload Program Manager (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high ... Experience with management or program leadership. * Proven ability to innovate in process ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Program Manager, Commercial

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

The Role 

As one of the early Program Managers at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company's commercial business vision. Directly liaising with commercial customers, partners, and stakeholders, you will successfully define early requirements through project execution. You'll align K2 products and solutions to the most pressing needs of our end users, and shepherd projects from initial definition through acquisition and execution. You'll create compliant and compelling proposals, support contract definition and negotiations, and establish strong partnerships across the organization to ensure end-to-end mission success.  

Responsibilities 

  • Lead proposal efforts for commercial customers including responding to opportunities, scoping contracts, and collaborating with internal stakeholders for technical definition 
  • Act as the POC for your customer to resolve issues, negotiate requirements, coordinate technical and contractual changes, and maintain positive relationships 
  • Partner with the diverse teams within K2 to drive towards spacecraft vehicle readiness, assess change impacts, develop mission CONOPS, and proactively track schedules to ensure all contract requirements are met 
  • Communicate with internal management, executives, and customers about the overall program schedule and mission readiness  
  • Plan and lead customer reviews and deliverables through cross-company coordination, developing and briefing technical content on complex designs, trade studies, risks, and issues 
  • Nurture and maintain a network of commercial customers, partners, and stakeholders 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline 
  • 5+ years of professional experience in the space industry 
  • 8+ years of technical program or project management experience 
  • Full project lifecycle experience, preferably with spacecraft 
  • Deep understanding of commercial satellite contracting and business development 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience negotiating technical deliverables, requirements and scope 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere 
  • Demonstrated success working in an environment with competing priorities and aggressive schedules 
  • Ability to travel up to 30% of the time 

Nice to Have 

  • Program Management certification  

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $250,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 
K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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