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Technical Program Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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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.

Project Manager

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Project Manager 

Job Summary:
ESAero utilizes a project team methodology to execute engineering contracts.  Projects are managed by a combination of a Project Manager and a Lead Engineer. The Project Manager handles customer facing project administration and is responsible for driving project performance and results. The Lead Engineer has overall responsibility for all the technical aspects of each project. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Managing customer relationships and expectations, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Understanding contractual requirements and making sure they are met.
  • Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Identifying risks to budget and schedule and orchestrating risk mitigation plans,
  • Reporting project status to external customer(s), the project team, and senior leadership.
  • Working with cost accounting to ensure accurate project performance and projections.
  • Ensure that project tasking remains within agreed upon scope.
  • Develop initial or follow-on quotes, SOWs, and proposals.
  • Initiate customer interaction to get contracts modified in the event of any changes to the contracted project scope.
  • Coordinate any sub-contracting and/or outsourcing.
  • Develop Statements of Work (SOW), project plans, schedules and budgets.
  • Ensure all regulatory and customer requirements are considered and executed in the project plan.
  • Define deliverables and work with customers to finalize acceptance criteria.
  • Define resource requirements and work with other ESAero management to secure the resources required for successful project execution

       Project Manager will coordinate with Quality Assurance and the Chief Engineer to:

  • Develop a quality plan for each project and ensure its execution.
  • Identify and execute traceability requirements, inspection requirements, test requirements and FAI requirements
  • Ensure all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery.

       Project Manager will coordinate with the Manufacturing/Operations leads and the lead Engineer to:

  • Identify and secure machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules.
  • Identify and secure enough space and the appropriate equipment needed to support the project team.
  • Identify any training requirements needed by the project team and/or manufacturing personnel in support of the project team, and ensure the training is conducted timely.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

  • Due to Federal Government Contracts US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card is required
  • Demonstrated experience in Project and/or Program Management is required.
  • BA/BS degree in engineering, or a technical related field; MA/MS or MBA degree preferred
  • Formal project management education or training
  • 5-7+ years’ experience in any combination of the following areas: program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement and/or supplier management.
  • Excellent computer skills are a must, including a variety of software applications; experience with project management software like Microsoft Project tracking/scheduling software
  • Expertise working with cross-functional teams.
  • Experience in aerospace program management is preferred.
  • Experience with financial forecasting
  • Responsible for promoting actively an ethics-based business culture in his/her project team(s), ensuring that all associates are aware of, and fully comply with, ESAero’s “Code of Ethics,” and related policies. 

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

  • Must possess solid organizational skills and attention to detail
  • MRP/ERP experience a plus
  • Disciplined execution of processes and systems
  • Familiar with ISO9001/AS9100
  • Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, ITAR a plus

 Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a
  • 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play

Company Overview:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that 

propel the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

_________________________________________________________________


ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.
Hiring Range: $140k - $180k Salary/Exempt
 

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