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Technical Program Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Program Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$88K - $140K/yr

The Program Manager has program performance and P&L responsibility for a small to medium complexity ... Review customer requirements technical compliance matrix. * Work with IPT to develop, baseline and ...

Supports Program Manager with all aspects of Program Management: * Comprehends contractual obligations and statement of work for assigned program(s) and provides guidance based on these documents to ...

Review customer requirements technical compliance matrix * Work with IPT to develop, baseline and ... Identify and manage program (internal & external) * Review the customer contract compliance and ...

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Technical Program Manager information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$91.2K

$149.3K

$172.7K

How much do technical program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical program manager in Santa Maria, CA is $149,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,200.00 and $171,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical program manager?

A technical program manager oversees a company’s technical projects, such as implementing new network systems or developing new products. Job duties include supervising development teams, assessing work schedules, assessing productivity, and addressing any quality assurance issues that arise during production. Technical program managers are often responsible for creating reports to upper management based on the functions of the products and making suggestions on how to streamline future projects. They may also help the organization develop new strategies related to production and sales goals.

How do technical program managers typically collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure project success?

Technical Program Managers (TPMs) play a central role in facilitating communication and alignment between engineering, product, and other cross-functional teams. They work closely with product managers to define project requirements and prioritize deliverables, while coordinating with engineering to develop realistic timelines and resolve technical challenges. TPMs often lead regular meetings, track progress, and proactively address risks to keep everyone on the same page. Building strong relationships and fostering a culture of open dialogue are essential for TPMs to ensure projects stay on track and meet business goals.

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

To thrive as a Technical Program Manager, you need a strong background in project management, software development processes, and a relevant technical degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Agile methodologies, and PMP or Scrum certifications is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure seamless project delivery, effective team collaboration, and alignment between technical teams and business goals.

What is the difference between Technical Program Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectTechnical Program ManagerSoftware Engineer
Primary RoleOversees project execution, coordinates teams, manages timelinesDesigns, develops, tests software applications
Required SkillsProject management, communication, technical understandingProgramming, software development, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, project-focusedDevelopment teams, coding environments
CertificationsPMP, Agile certifications often preferredNone mandatory, but certifications like Scrum or AWS helpful

While Technical Program Managers coordinate and oversee projects across teams, Software Engineers focus on building and coding software solutions. Both roles require technical understanding, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Is a technical program manager a stressful job?

A technical program manager often faces stress due to managing complex projects, tight deadlines, and coordinating multiple teams. The role requires strong organizational skills, problem-solving, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, which can contribute to job-related stress.

What does a technical program manager make?

A technical program manager typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They oversee complex projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and often require skills in project management tools and technical knowledge to ensure successful delivery.

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

The top searched job categories for Technical Program Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Technical Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Technical Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Program Manager job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,294 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

Program Manager

Safran Cabin

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$88K - $140K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Program Manager has program performance and P&L responsibility for a small to medium complexity program. He/she is responsible for delivering the program objectives, managing program performance, risks, opportunities, and change control according to internal rules and processes.

Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will provide leadership to a matrixed cross functional integrated program team (IPT) and drive continuous improvement using company root cause and corrective action processes.
The Program Manager will report to a Business Unit, Division leader or Director of Programs. The Program Manager serves as the Customer(s) primary Point of Contact (POC).
  • Responsibility, Authority and full Accountability, including program P&L, for the successful execution and Customer Satisfaction of the Program under his/her leadership.
  • Responsible for the overall financial performance of the program.
  • Maintain the Business Case for the entire program life cycle.
  • Monitor and control program Non Recurring Expenses (NRE).
  • Ensure profitability through Design To Cost (DTC) management.
  • Update program financials & determine root cause & corrective actions for variances.
  • Program bid, planning & control.
  • Develop estimate of non-recurrent & recurring costs targets.
  • Review customer requirements technical compliance matrix.
  • Work with IPT to develop, baseline and maintain the program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
  • Analyze and prioritize tasks on the Critical Path throughout the program life cycle.
  • Support the S&OP meetings and coordinate the program medium to long range planning.
  • Identify and manage program (internal & external).
  • Perform and maintain program risk & opportunity assessment ( quantitative and qualitative).
  • Review the customer contract compliance and control scope.
  • Primary Point of Contact with customer over the entire program life cycle.
  • Communicate to customer the commitments of the BU.
  • Be responsible for arranging program progress reviews with the customer.
  • Report to the customer a progress status of the program, compliant with their follow up expectations.
  • Oversee assigned Project Manager(s) and IPT work package leaders.
  • Set program priorities and provide strategic guidance on day-to-day program issues.
  • Establish program governance, including program key performance indicators (KPIs) & conduct weekly program review.
  • Monitor KPIs, including earn value management indicator, and ensure variances are addressed in a timely manner.
  • Provide annual performance review input for IPT resources to functional leadership.
  • Serve as primary liaison with Executive Management.
  • Provide the Voice of the Customer (VoC).
  • Provide strategic guidance from an operational perspective.
  • Determine required program resources needs through development and serial production.

Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: Typically requires 6 years of project manager or project engineer experience in a commercial aerospace environment required.
Basic Knowledge of program management methodologies and proven ability to manage complex projects.

Computer Skills:
  • Proficient with MS Project.
Other Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships, leadership skills, organizational skills, ability to analyze & summarize information, financial acumen.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and assignments with attention to detail.
  • Problem solving, well organized, detailed oriented and accurate.
Additional Preferred Skills: (not required)
  • Degree in engineering.
  • Project Management certification (PMI, PMP, etc.).
  • Experience with LEAN principles and continuous improvement.
  • Business travel up to 25% likely.