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Technical Program Director Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

PROGRAM MANAGER

Ventura, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Job Summary The Program Manager is responsible for supporting and managing complex program teams ... technical audiences. * Exercises delegated authority for planning, directing, coordinating ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Ventura, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Job Summary The Program Manager is responsible for supporting and managing complex program teams ... technical audiences. * Exercises delegated authority for planning, directing, coordinating ...

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Technical Program Director information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$99K

$162.1K

$187.5K

How much do technical program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical program director in Santa Barbara, CA is $162,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,500.00 and $185,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical program director?

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.

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 do I become a technical program director?

To become a technical program director, candidates typically need a strong background in engineering, computer science, or related fields, along with extensive experience managing complex technical projects and teams. Relevant skills include leadership, strategic planning, and familiarity with project management tools like Agile or Scrum. Earning certifications such as PMP or PgMP can also enhance qualifications for this role.

Is being a technical program director a good career?

A technical program director is a senior role responsible for overseeing complex projects, coordinating teams, and aligning technical initiatives with business goals. It typically requires strong leadership, project management skills, and technical knowledge, often supported by certifications like PMP or Agile. The role offers high responsibility, competitive compensation, and opportunities for advancement in technology-driven organizations.

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 skills, and familiarity with project management tools like Agile or Scrum.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Program jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Technical Program jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Technical Program Director jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Technical Program Director jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Technical Program Director jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Technical Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Program Director job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,059 per year, or $77.9 per hour.

Technical Program Manager, System Integration, Quantum AI

Google

Goleta, CA • On-site

$139K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, a related engineering field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 8 years of experience in program management.
  • 5 years of experience working in systems engineering, hardware development, semiconductor tool development, quantum computing, or related technical fields.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Experience managing dependencies and cross-functional interfaces, and developing or improving tools or processes.
  • Experience working with emerging technology.
  • Experience any of the following industries: quantum computing, semiconductor tools, complex systems engineering, cryogenics, experimental physics related research, aerospace, or related industries.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

About the job
A problem isn't truly solved until it's solved for all. That's why Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. As a Technical Program Manager at Google, you'll use your technical expertise to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from start to finish. You'll work with stakeholders to plan requirements, identify risks, manage project schedules, and communicate clearly with cross-functional partners across the company. You're equally comfortable explaining your team's analyses and recommendations to executives as you are discussing the technical tradeoffs in product development with engineers.
As a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum AI team, you usher complex, multi-disciplinary quantum computing projects through the entire project lifecycle using your engineering expertise and organizational skills. You will work with hardware system integration stakeholders to plan requirements, identify risks, manage project schedules, and communicate clearly with cross-functional partners across the organization. You are proactive in driving teams to meet deadlines, track progress, and manage outside vendors and collaborators.
The full potential of quantum computing will be unlocked with a large-scale computer capable of complex, error-corrected computations. Google Quantum AI's mission is to build this computer and unlock solutions to classically intractable problems. Our roadmap is focused on advancing the capabilities of quantum computing and enabling meaningful applications.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $192000 - $278000 (USD) 20% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Support Quantum AI research teams by planning project requirements, managing project schedule and supply chain, managing budget, demand forecasting, inventory management, vendor management to enable hardware and software deployment.
  • Anticipate issues and propose solutions, manage dependencies and cross-functional interfaces, and identify the need to develop or improve tools or processes.
  • Document and communicate work plans, timelines, and results to the broader team.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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