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Technical Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CompassX Group

Technical Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

S. Role Description: We're looking for a Technical Program Manager to lead the enterprise ... Self-directed and outcome-oriented, with the ability to operate with autonomy across a broad ...

CompassX Group

Technical Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

S. Role Description: We're looking for a Technical Program Manager to lead the enterprise ... Self-directed and outcome-oriented, with the ability to operate with autonomy across a broad ...

Adapture Renewables

Technical Program Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$155K - $195K/yr

This role reports to the Director of Technology & Security. The candidate may be based remotely in ... Qualifications and Experience * 3-5 years in technical program management at a software ...

CompassX Group

Technical Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

S. Role Description: We're looking for a Technical Program Manager to lead the enterprise ... Self-directed and outcome-oriented, with the ability to operate with autonomy across a broad ...

Anduril Industries

Technical Program Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB Anduril is seeking a Technical Program Manager to join the Maneuver Dominance team at ... Direct experience with the integration of C4ISR systems, sensor payloads (e.g., EO/IR, SIGINT), or ...

Adapture Renewables

Technical Program Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

This role reports to the Director of Technology & Security. The candidate may be based remotely in ... Qualifications and Experience * 3-5 years in technical program management at a software ...

Leidos

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

The Emerging Space System Division is seeking a Technical Program Manager to support the ... Must have direct experience applying Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology on DoD contracts ...

Google

Technical Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Technical analysis of engineering problems for network infrastructure programs About the job Google ... directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant ...

Parsons

Program Director

Corona, CA

$157K - $283K/yr

Our Parsons Corona office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Program Director to manage and ... Promoting technical and commercial excellence on the project Requirements : * 4-year degree in ...

Brain Corp

Technical Program Manager II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Technical Program Manager II is responsible for planning and executing robotic integration ... • Self-directed and highly adaptive; organized and efficient while managing multiple complex ...

Highnote

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

We are looking for a strong technical program management track record, demonstrated experience ... We're a flat organization that allows everyone to have direct exposure to our leadership team. We ...

Taskrabbit

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K - $196K/yr

You will report to the Director of TPM and partner daily with our infrastructure and security ... years of technical program management in an infrastructure, security, SRE, or compliance ...

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All JobsTechnical Program Director JobsTechnical Program Director Jobs in California

Technical Program Director information

See California salary details

$87.8K

$143.7K

$166.3K

How much do technical program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical program director in California is $143,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technical Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Program Director, you need expertise in program management, a strong technical background (often in computer science or engineering), and experience leading large-scale projects. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Asana), agile methodologies, and certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills help you manage cross-functional teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals in complex technical environments.

Is a TPM role stressful?

A Technical Program Manager (TPM) role can be stressful due to managing complex projects, tight deadlines, and coordinating multiple teams. The level of stress varies depending on the organization, project scope, and individual workload, but strong organizational and communication skills are essential to handle the demands effectively.

How does a Technical Program Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

A Technical Program Director works closely with engineering, product management, design, and business teams to align project goals and technical requirements. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure clear communication, resolve roadblocks, and keep all stakeholders informed of progress and changes. By fostering a collaborative environment, they help teams anticipate challenges early and maintain momentum toward shared objectives. This role often acts as a bridge between technical and non-technical departments, ensuring alignment and smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Technical Program Director vs Technical Project Manager?

AspectTechnical Program DirectorTechnical Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications like PMP or PgMP are commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in a technical field; PMP or similar certifications are often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects across departments, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term goalsManages individual projects, ensuring timely delivery and scope management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, large corporations, and organizations with complex product portfoliosWidely used in IT, software development, and engineering firms for project execution

The Technical Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple interconnected projects and aligning them with strategic business objectives, while the Technical Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of specific projects. Both roles require technical expertise and certifications, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much does a TPM make?

A Technical Program Manager (TPM) typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior TPMs or those in high-cost areas can earn over $180,000, often with bonuses and stock options included.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executive positions, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain executive roles like Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and some technology leaders with extensive experience and stock options often reach or exceed this level of compensation.

What does a technical program director do?

A technical program director oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of complex technical projects within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure technical goals align with business objectives, often requiring strong leadership, communication, and technical expertise. They may also use project management tools and frameworks to track progress and mitigate risks.
What are popular job titles related to Technical Program Director jobs in California? For Technical Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Program Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Technical Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Technical Program Director job openings:
Technical Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Program Director job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,740 per year, or $69.1 per hour.
Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager

CompassX Group

Irvine, CA • On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Us:

At CompassX, our clients rely on us to lead high-priority strategic initiatives and transformational projects.  Our mission is to create a community of people who come up with innovative approaches and deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

You will have the opportunity to leverage your experience, creativity, and skills to impact your clients and influence the trajectory of our firm to achieve growth for the team and your career.

We are honored to be recognized as a "Best Place to Work" in Southern California and listed as one of INC.'s 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

Role Description:

We're looking for a Technical Program Manager to lead the enterprise application development and nationwide rollout of a flagship restaurant technology program within a global quick service restaurant brand. You will serve as the central knowledge repository and single source of truth across every technical and operational workstream, ensuring complex hardware and software integration and application development initiatives are delivered with clarity, accountability, and operational readiness at scale.

This role is ideal for someone who brings a strong data and systems background, has hands-on development experience or equivalent technical depth, and can operate across multiple personas where needed: The Navigator, The Air Traffic Controller, and The Engine, to drive a program that spans enterprise application development, middleware and systems integration, and nationwide restaurant deployment from initial development through national scale. 

The Basic Role Objectives

  • Define and manage program timelines and delivery across multiple concurrent workstreams, serving as the primary escalation path for program health, dependencies, and prioritization decisions.

  • Define and work within an agile project governance framework, driving team velocity across development and QA in partnership with the product owner.

  • Act as "The Navigator," anticipating risks and ensuring the solution progresses deliberately from development through pilot, market entry, and national rollout without losing momentum or direction.

  • Operate as the "Air Traffic Controller," managing cross-team dependencies, sequencing priorities and keeping every workstream moving without collision.

  • Serve as the "Engine," driving resolution on risks, blockers, and dependencies, and escalating with the right context and urgency to keep the program moving.

  • Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the enterprise technology ecosystem spanning hardware and software integrations, middleware, and connected platforms.

  • Partner with the product owner, solution architects, engineers, and operations to align on technical strategy, validate approaches, and ensure sequencing decisions reflect both product direction and operational reality.

  • Identify process gaps, design solutions, drive cross-team alignment, and ensure successful handoff to operations for training and adoption.

  • Build and present executive-level program status decks to internal leadership and franchise stakeholders, adapting communication for technical, operational, and executive audiences.

We look for our Managers to have several of the following:

  • 8+ years of experience in technical program management with ownership of complex multi-workstream programs in enterprise environments.

  • Strong foundation in data systems and integration architecture, including how data is calculated and flows across interconnected platforms, with the ability to interrogate discrepancies and drive resolution across technical teams.

  • Software development experience or equivalent technical depth, with the ability to engage in architecture and hardware-software integration discussions, challenge technical assumptions, and make informed prioritization and sequencing decisions.

  • Experience with Android application development, including device certification, OS versioning, and managed device deployment in an enterprise environment.

  • Experience in or alongside high-velocity, multi-location operational environments such as quick service restaurants, retail, hospitality, or field service, where enterprise technology is deployed at scale.

  • Experience leading steering committee and cross-functional forums across internal, external, and executive stakeholder groups. 

  • Experience delivering executive-level program reporting and driving resource allocation decisions. 

  • Self-directed and outcome-oriented, with the ability to operate with autonomy across a broad, complex, fast-moving program.

Benefits
  • Competitive base salary plus a generous upside variable compensation model
  • Annual performance reviews that are straightforward and transparent
  • PTO plus holidays plus sick time
  • Sabbatical program
  • Health, dental, vision, term life, AD&D
  • Retirement plan with company matching
  • Continuous education investments to grow your skills & knowledge
  • Small firm feel and direct relationships with the Executive Leadership Team
  • Opportunity to design and build a firm
  • Remote working options
  • Opportunity to build a professional network in your community
$150,000 - $180,000 a year
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.
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