Engineering Program Manager Jobs in California
Engineering Program Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor and chip design, enterprise software, and clean energy, with openings at every level from associate program manager through senior and principal. The heaviest hiring happens in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where anchors like Northrop Grumman, Apple, and Qualcomm maintain large engineering organizations that run complex, multi-team programs. Cross-functional coordination in hardware-software integration and systems engineering is the most in-demand specialty across these markets. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 166+ Engineering Program Manager jobs
Standard Job Description
Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
Production Quality Assurance (PQA) has an opportunity for a Quality Engineering Manager to support Bay Area Production Operations including the Advanced Technology Center located at the Palo Alto facility, California Electronics Center (CEC) located in Sunnyvale, and Ignite. The PQA team onsite is responsible for all assembly, fabrication, manufacturing as well as integration and test of a wide array of hardware and providing operational support to our customers.
As Quality Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for a diverse array of activities which include:
- Managing the Quality functions and staff within the Production Quality organization for both represented and non-represented employees
- Supervise, lead, & direct Quality Engineers & Quality Inspectors who apply quality principles in the areas of: design, incoming material, production control, product evaluation, program performance, reliability, inventory control, and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality for make and/or buy products.
- Collaborate with Lines of Business (LOBs)/Programs, DCMA, Customer Representatives, as well as the Engineering, Program Quality, Production, Mission Success, and Major Functional Organizations (MFOs) on quality related issues to ensure quality standards are in place.
- Engages in product failure investigations, material review board decisions and corrective/preventive action.
- Lead Quality teams to ensure preparations for ISO 9001 & AS9100 that will lead to no findings or observations in internal and external audits.
Manages those who apply quality principles in the areas of: design, incoming material, production control, product evaluation, program performance, reliability, inventory control, and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality for make and/or buy products. Performs technical evaluations including product requirements, specifications, models/designs, drawings and procedures. Collaborates with program management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and customers on quality related issues to ensure quality standards are in place. Engages in product failure investigations, material review board decisions and corrective/preventive action. Ensures corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards and/or are compliant with requirements. Develops strategies and systems designed to improve internal and/or supplier performance and productivity. Evaluates quality systems for deficiency identification and correction. Designs and analyzes inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducts product quality tests, performs statistical analysis to assess products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications. Engages in supplier selection process and maintain certification programs.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college in a technical discipline (e.g., engineering field), equivalent discipline (e.g., math, physics, chemistry, etc.), or equivalent experience/combined education
- Previous leadership experience in a related discipline (e.g. Quality Engineering, System Safety, Engineering, Manufacturing, Integration & Test)
- Demonstrated experience working with environmental testing at various levels of spacecraft or missile lifecycle
- Experienced with Peer Review (PR), Quality Material Review Board (QMRB) and subject matter expert in executing test planning, hardware processing, and non-conformance processing including root cause analysis and corrective action development.
- Knowledge of Quality systems/processes and knowledge of external quality standards such as ISO9001 and/or AS9100.
- US Citizenship required with the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance.
Desired Skills
- 14+ years of technical experience in a quality engineering production/manufacturing environment
- Ability to manage multi-disciplinary, multi-site teams, Enterprise Operations and experience supporting/working multiple priorities with the skill to motivate and engage workforce at all levels
- Proven leadership to drive change through affordability initiatives
- Experience working with DCMA and other government customer support organizations
- Experience with using metrics and other means to critically assess organization, measure performance, and take corrective action
- Active SECRET clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $161300.00 - $299500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Standard Job Description
Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
Production Quality Assurance (PQA) has an opportunity for a Quality Engineering Manager to support Bay Area Production Operations including the Advanced Technology Center located at the Palo Alto facility, California Electronics Center (CEC) located in Sunnyvale, and Ignite. The PQA team onsite is responsible for all assembly, fabrication, manufacturing as well as integration and test of a wide array of hardware and providing operational support to our customers.
As Quality Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for a diverse array of activities which include:
- Managing the Quality functions and staff within the Production Quality organization for both represented and non-represented employees
- Supervise, lead, & direct Quality Engineers & Quality Inspectors who apply quality principles in the areas of: design, incoming material, production control, product evaluation, program performance, reliability, inventory control, and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality for make and/or buy products.
- Collaborate with Lines of Business (LOBs)/Programs, DCMA, Customer Representatives, as well as the Engineering, Program Quality, Production, Mission Success, and Major Functional Organizations (MFOs) on quality related issues to ensure quality standards are in place.
- Engages in product failure investigations, material review board decisions and corrective/preventive action.
- Lead Quality teams to ensure preparations for ISO 9001 & AS9100 that will lead to no findings or observations in internal and external audits.
Manages those who apply quality principles in the areas of: design, incoming material, production control, product evaluation, program performance, reliability, inventory control, and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality for make and/or buy products. Performs technical evaluations including product requirements, specifications, models/designs, drawings and procedures. Collaborates with program management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and customers on quality related issues to ensure quality standards are in place. Engages in product failure investigations, material review board decisions and corrective/preventive action. Ensures corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards and/or are compliant with requirements. Develops strategies and systems designed to improve internal and/or supplier performance and productivity. Evaluates quality systems for deficiency identification and correction. Designs and analyzes inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducts product quality tests, performs statistical analysis to assess products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications. Engages in supplier selection process and maintain certification programs.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college in a technical discipline (e.g., engineering field), equivalent discipline (e.g., math, physics, chemistry, etc.), or equivalent experience/combined education
- Previous leadership experience in a related discipline (e.g. Quality Engineering, System Safety, Engineering, Manufacturing, Integration & Test)
- Demonstrated experience working with environmental testing at various levels of spacecraft or missile lifecycle
- Experienced with Peer Review (PR), Quality Material Review Board (QMRB) and subject matter expert in executing test planning, hardware processing, and non-conformance processing including root cause analysis and corrective action development.
- Knowledge of Quality systems/processes and knowledge of external quality standards such as ISO9001 and/or AS9100.
- US Citizenship required with the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance.
Desired Skills
- 14+ years of technical experience in a quality engineering production/manufacturing environment
- Ability to manage multi-disciplinary, multi-site teams, Enterprise Operations and experience supporting/working multiple priorities with the skill to motivate and engage workforce at all levels
- Proven leadership to drive change through affordability initiatives
- Experience working with DCMA and other government customer support organizations
- Experience with using metrics and other means to critically assess organization, measure performance, and take corrective action
- Active SECRET clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $161300.00 - $299500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
See All 166+ Engineering Program Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsEngineering Program Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Program Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple68
- Tesla18
- Lockheed Martin9
- Google7
- Adobe5
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware31
- Banking & Financial Services9
- Technology & Software7
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Artificial Intelligence2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering program manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline required
- Three or more years managing cross-functional engineering programs from initiation through delivery
- Demonstrated experience with Agile, Scrum, or systems engineering program management methodologies
- Proficiency with program management tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, or equivalent platforms
- Strong stakeholder communication skills across engineering, product, and executive leadership teams
- PMP certification or equivalent program management credential preferred by most California employers
Engineering Program Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering program manager in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related technical field, plus hands-on experience as an engineer or technical project lead before stepping into a program management role. California does not require a state-issued license for this title, but many hiring managers expect a PMP credential or equivalent. Starting as a systems engineer, project engineer, or technical lead at a California aerospace, semiconductor, or technology company is the most common path.
How much do engineering program managers make in California?
Engineering program managers in California earn a median of about $210,280 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $137,900 for the lowest 10% to over $296,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire engineering program managers in California?
Employers hiring engineering program managers in California right now include Apple, Tesla, and Lockheed Martin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor firms, and enterprise technology headquarters means program management roles appear across an unusually wide range of industries compared with most other states.
Which California cities have the most engineering program manager jobs?
Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and San Jose account for the most engineering program manager openings in California. The Bay Area's density of semiconductor and software companies drives volume in that corridor, while Los Angeles and San Diego reflect the state's large aerospace and defense sector, anchored by long-established contractors and government program offices concentrated in Southern California.
Are there remote engineering program manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many technical roles, because program management is coordination-heavy rather than hands-on. About 37% of engineering program manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the role's reliance on meetings, documentation, and cross-team communication rather than physical lab or manufacturing presence. Program phases tied to hardware builds or on-site testing tend to require in-person availability.
How can I get hired as a engineering program manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a technical individual contributor role such as systems engineer, mechanical engineer, or software engineer into a junior or associate program manager position. Large California employers in aerospace, including Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, and in technology, including Intel and Broadcom, run rotational or associate program management programs aimed at early-career engineers. Earning a PMP or CAPM credential and building experience coordinating internal engineering workstreams, even informally, strengthens a candidacy significantly.
Where can I find and apply to engineering program manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to engineering program manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to California employers. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location preference, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 166+ Engineering Program Manager Jobs in California
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