Program Director Jobs in San Jose, CA
Program Director jobs in San Jose are in active demand, concentrated in North San Jose's tech corridor, Downtown, and Santana Row across technology, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Employers hiring right now include Silicon Valley Education Foundation, Arm, and eBay. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Program Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 321+ Program Director jobs
Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™️ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world's largest in-line cloud security platform.
We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world's hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.
Role
As the Director of Technical Program Management for Shared Platform Engineering, you will be responsible for the successful execution of Zscaler's most strategic engineering initiatives. You will establish the rhythm of the business for critical technical programs, translating organizational priorities into actionable plans.This is a hybrid role, based in San Jose, CA (hybrid three days a week) reporting to the EVP, Chief Security Officer. This role requires a strategic leader who can design and implement robust program management frameworks, operationalize transformational change, and drive cross-functional planning across the product and platform engineering organization.
What you'll do (Role Expectations)
- Lead the definition, planning, and delivery of complex, cross-functional technical programs aligned with Zscaler's strategic goals and R&D objectives.
- Drive critical customer retention initiatives by tracking support tickets, deployment progress, and telemetry data, maintaining a targeted focus on high-priority customer health metrics.
- Establish and manage the key interlocks, timelines, and workflows that define the operational rhythm for platform engineering to ensure the successful achievement of OKRs.
- Design, implement, and refine program management frameworks, processes, and tools to drive efficiency, scalability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Drive cross-functional alignment by managing dependencies, effectively communicating program status and risks to executive leadership, and operationalizing key transformational change management plans.
Who You Are (Success Profile)
- You are highly organized and possess exceptional attention to detail, ensuring precision in all administrative tasks.
- You demonstrate utmost discretion and can manage sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
- You are proactive and anticipate needs, effectively supporting a C-level executive in a fast-paced environment.
- You possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and event coordination.
- You are adaptable and adept at managing multiple priorities, thriving in a dynamic and evolving workplace.
What We're Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
- Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving
- 12+ years of experience in technical program management or related technical field, with leadership of large-scale initiatives
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master's preferred)
- Proven track record in applying methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and influencing organizational strategy and experience collaborating across large-scale engineering teams and influencing executive leadership
- Deep understanding of API Platforms and software application frameworks such as Java and Spring (e.g., Spring Boot, Spring Cloud)
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience in a high-growth SaaS or cybersecurity organization
- Experience with public cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Advanced knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) and certification in PMP, SAFe, or Scrum Master
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-CM3
At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure.
Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including:
- Various health plans
- Time off plans for vacation and sick time
- Parental leave options
- Retirement options
- Education reimbursement
- In-office perks, and more!
Learn more about Zscaler's hybrid working model and benefits here.
By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines.
Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link.
Pay Transparency
Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules.
Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support.
Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™️ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world's largest in-line cloud security platform.
We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world's hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.
Role
As the Director of Technical Program Management for Shared Platform Engineering, you will be responsible for the successful execution of Zscaler's most strategic engineering initiatives. You will establish the rhythm of the business for critical technical programs, translating organizational priorities into actionable plans.This is a hybrid role, based in San Jose, CA (hybrid three days a week) reporting to the EVP, Chief Security Officer. This role requires a strategic leader who can design and implement robust program management frameworks, operationalize transformational change, and drive cross-functional planning across the product and platform engineering organization.
What you'll do (Role Expectations)
- Lead the definition, planning, and delivery of complex, cross-functional technical programs aligned with Zscaler's strategic goals and R&D objectives.
- Drive critical customer retention initiatives by tracking support tickets, deployment progress, and telemetry data, maintaining a targeted focus on high-priority customer health metrics.
- Establish and manage the key interlocks, timelines, and workflows that define the operational rhythm for platform engineering to ensure the successful achievement of OKRs.
- Design, implement, and refine program management frameworks, processes, and tools to drive efficiency, scalability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Drive cross-functional alignment by managing dependencies, effectively communicating program status and risks to executive leadership, and operationalizing key transformational change management plans.
Who You Are (Success Profile)
- You are highly organized and possess exceptional attention to detail, ensuring precision in all administrative tasks.
- You demonstrate utmost discretion and can manage sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
- You are proactive and anticipate needs, effectively supporting a C-level executive in a fast-paced environment.
- You possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and event coordination.
- You are adaptable and adept at managing multiple priorities, thriving in a dynamic and evolving workplace.
What We're Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)
- Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving
- 12+ years of experience in technical program management or related technical field, with leadership of large-scale initiatives
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master's preferred)
- Proven track record in applying methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and influencing organizational strategy and experience collaborating across large-scale engineering teams and influencing executive leadership
- Deep understanding of API Platforms and software application frameworks such as Java and Spring (e.g., Spring Boot, Spring Cloud)
What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience in a high-growth SaaS or cybersecurity organization
- Experience with public cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Advanced knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) and certification in PMP, SAFe, or Scrum Master
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-CM3
At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure.
Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including:
- Various health plans
- Time off plans for vacation and sick time
- Parental leave options
- Retirement options
- Education reimbursement
- In-office perks, and more!
Learn more about Zscaler's hybrid working model and benefits here.
By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines.
Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link.
Pay Transparency
Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules.
Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support.
See All 321+ Program Director Jobs in San Jose
Find roles in San Jose that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Director JobsProgram Director Job Market in San Jose
Who's Hiring
- Silicon Valley Education Foundation58
- Arm29
- eBay29
- Adobe29
- Zscaler29
Program Director Jobs in San Jose: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a program director job in San Jose?
Focus your search on San Jose's dominant hiring sectors: enterprise technology companies in North San Jose, health systems anchored around the Downtown medical district, and large nonprofits serving Silicon Valley communities. Candidates who stand out here typically combine cross-functional leadership experience with familiarity with fast-moving, matrixed organizations. A PMP certification or equivalent program management credential strengthens applications significantly in this market.
Which companies hire program directors in San Jose?
Employers hiring program directors in San Jose right now include Silicon Valley Education Foundation, Arm, and eBay, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Jose's employer mix leans heavily toward large technology firms, regional health systems, and established nonprofit organizations with multi-site operations across Silicon Valley.
Are there remote program director jobs in San Jose?
Yes, though program director roles are moderately remote-friendly since they often involve in-person stakeholder coordination and team oversight. About 100% of program director openings tied to San Jose are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common than fully remote. Strategy and planning functions tend to offer the most location flexibility, while operational or community-facing roles typically require on-site presence.
How can I get a program director job in San Jose with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Jose is moving into a program manager or senior project manager role at a mid-size tech company or regional nonprofit, then stepping up internally. San Jose's large tech employers and health systems regularly hire associate or junior program managers, and nonprofit organizations in the South Bay often promote from program coordinator roles. Demonstrated results managing budgets or cross-team deliverables, even in smaller scope, carry real weight locally.
Related Jobs in California
See All 321+ Program Director Jobs in San Jose
Find roles in San Jose that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Director Jobs