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Test Program Manager Jobs in San Marcos, CA (NOW HIRING)

Saalex Corporation is seeking multiple Program Manager in Tidewater, VA and San Diego, CA ... Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ...

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $160K/yr

Saalex Corporation is seeking multiple Program Manager in Tidewater, VA and San Diego, CA ... Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ...

The Program Manager will serve as the primary operational liaison between Qualcomm and external ... Ensure production readiness across materials, tooling, test, documentation, and training * Monitor ...

Program Manager II

Poway, CA · On-site

$90K - $162K/yr

The position will coordinate day-to-day engineering IPT activities across software, hardware, systems engineering, test, production, and program management. This role will maintain visibility into ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

This Program Manager performs the role of the Manager of MQ-9 Training Systems which includes both ... Test/Flight Centers. Assesses project issues and develops solutions to meet budget, quality, and ...

Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Program Management General Summary ... Monitors and utilize computers and test equipment for more than 6 hours a day. * Continuous ...

Program Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

This position reports to a senior program manager and is responsible for elements of support to our USAF customer; these efforts include the development, test, modification, delivery and sustainment ...

Program Manager IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$140K - $257K/yr

Direct all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through design completion, test, and productionization, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure ...

Program Manager III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

The Deputy Program Manager will play a critical role in ensuring commitments are met and in driving ... Familiarity with test and research reactor design, development, and/or operations. * Familiarity ...

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Test Program Manager information

See San Marcos, CA salary details

$27K

$111.2K

$173.7K

How much do test program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for test program manager in San Marcos, CA is $111,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,800.00 and $132,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a test program manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Test Program Managers play a crucial role in facilitating communication between quality assurance, development, and product management teams. They coordinate test schedules, clarify requirements, and ensure that test plans align with project goals. By holding regular meetings and status updates, they help resolve issues quickly and maintain alignment across all stakeholders. This collaborative approach helps ensure timely delivery of high-quality products while managing risks and adapting to changes throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Test Program Manager vs Test Engineer?

AspectTest Program ManagerTest Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; certifications like ISTQB or PMP are commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManages testing projects, coordinates teams, and oversees testing strategies across programsConducts testing, develops test cases, and executes tests on products or systems
Industry UsageCommonly used in software, hardware, and systems development industriesPrimarily found in software development, hardware testing, and quality assurance roles

The Test Program Manager focuses on overseeing testing projects and coordinating teams, while the Test Engineer is hands-on, executing tests and analyzing results. Both roles require technical knowledge and certifications, but the Program Manager has a broader scope of project management responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Test Program Manager, you need expertise in software testing methodologies, project management, and quality assurance, often supported by a degree in computer science or engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with test management tools (like JIRA, TestRail), automation frameworks, and certifications such as PMP or ISTQB are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive teams towards project goals and foster collaboration. These skills and qualities are crucial to deliver high-quality products on time and ensure alignment between testing activities and organizational objectives.

What is a test program manager?

Test Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of testing activities within a project or organization. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and ensure that testing processes align with project goals and quality standards. Their role often includes developing test strategies, tracking progress, mitigating risks, and communicating results to stakeholders. Effective Test Program Managers help ensure that products meet requirements and are released with minimal defects.
What job categories do people searching Test Program Manager jobs in San Marcos, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Test Program Manager jobs in San Marcos, CA are:
What cities near San Marcos, CA are hiring for Test Program Manager jobs? Cities near San Marcos, CA with the most Test Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Test Program Manager job openings in San Marcos, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,166 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Test Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in our RAD organization. This role is located in San Diego, CA or El Segundo, CA.
This team is part of the Research and Advanced Design division working on exciting next generation technologies. In this role, you will be responsible for all facets of the test program, including lab and flight test staffing, planning, execution, and reporting.
Success in this role will be attained by being highly motivated and self-starting, with relevant test experience, supporting test activities in the System Integration Lab (SIL) in Rancho Bernardo and ground and flight tests.
Responsibilities:
  • Orchestrate lab, ground and flight integration and developmental testing for NGAS.
  • Ensure engineering tests serve developmental objectives and mechanisms are in place to execute the tests.
  • Review status of test requirements, manage schedules, prepare test plans and test reports.
  • Identify all test and test program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans.
  • Coordinate ground test engineering and operations, aircraft modifications for testing, frequent interaction with Engineering in Rancho Bernardo, Space Park, El Segundo, and Palmdale, ensuring cost and schedule performance targets are met.
  • Provide program leadership with test site employee staffing forecasts and provide timely resource forecasts to program management, assuring that proper staffing is in place to execute the Test Statement of Work.
  • Excellent communication skills, experience leading test engineering personnel, and be capable of working in a matrix environment with multiple sources of management guidance.

You may be required to support extended shifts and occasional weekends as required to maintain program schedules.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 12 years of relevant Ground and Flight test military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 10 years of relevant Ground and Flight test military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 8 years of relevant Ground and Flight test military / professional experience
  • Must have experience leading flight test programs
  • Must have experience with program risk, opportunity and issue management processes
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret or higher clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Must have the ability to travel up to 25% of your time

Preferred Qualifications:
  • An additional 2 years experience to those listed in the basic qualifications
  • Experience leading a Test team in a dynamic work environment
  • Excellent organizational and written communication skills, as well as project management planning and presentation skills
  • Proficient with MS Project, Excel, Power Point, Word
  • Demonstrated ability to create trusted relationships
  • Experience with Jira and Confluence tools
  • An active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or Special Compartmentalized Information (SCI)

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939