Program Manager - Software Technical Development Lead
Viasat
Listing collected from Viasat's career site. NextChapter is independent of Viasat.
Carlsbad, CA · Posted August 21, 2026
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Where Carlsbad, CA ranks
Where Carlsbad, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #9Best cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast61% · of 71
- #18Best cities for mid-career professionals61% · of 100
- #21Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the West Coast145 openings · of 60
- #24Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast31 jobs · of 47
- #24Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast13% · of 53
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 254 open program manager listings that state pay, the middle half runs $115,000 to $163,000 and the median is $139,000.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
About us
At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.
We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.
What you'll do
Problem-solver. Facilitator. Negotiator. Leader. Sound like you? As a Technical Development Lead - Program Manager at Viasat, you will play all these roles and more! Your experience leading hardworking engineers in software, systems, test, and hardware engineering will help your program team meet key commitments. These commitments are during the development of tactical satellite communication systems.
The day-to-day
In this role, you will build and support effective multi-functional teams across geographically dispersed locations throughout the program life cycle. You and your engineering teams will solve complex programs across multiple product lines. You be responsible for technical program execution through leadership, planning, scheduling, financial reporting, budgeting, and coordination of the work you're doing. You will use your skilled leadership and analytical abilities to achieve the goals of the programs and business areas which are key for your success. Outstanding abilities in expressing ideas clearly, making good judgments, reaching agreements, and resolving challenges are key enablers for success in the role!
What you'll need
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent technical degree
5+ years of Software Development experience
3+ years of Technical Program Management experience
Proven experience leading and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including, but not limited to, Business Development, Systems, Software, Product, Test
Experience with Agile Kanban, Agile Scrum, and Waterfall development lifecycles
Experience with Atlassian tools, including JIRA and confluence
Demonstrated experience in cost, schedule, and risk management
Ability to present technical details at an abstracted level
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and programs simultaneously
The role requires outstanding communication, decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving skills as essential drivers for success
US Citizenship required
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance
Travel up to 10%
This is a hybrid role based in Carlsbad, CA
What will help you on the job
Master's Degree in a technical field
Experience with real time embedded software development
Experience with front and back end web development
Experience with MS Project
Experience as a people manager
Interest or experience in communication systems and satellite communications
Knowledge Of U.S. Government SATCOM and space-based intelligence mission requirements
Unrelenting customer focus, a passion for excellence, and a one-team mindset describe the successful candidate
#LI-VSAT
Salary range
$153,000.00 - $242,000.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $190,500.00- $285,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits. EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here .
In this role, you will build and support effective multi-functional teams across geographically dispersed locations throughout the program life cycle. You and your engineering teams will solve complex programs across multiple product lines. You be responsible for technical program execution through leadership, planning, scheduling, financial reporting, budgeting, and coordination of the work you're doing. You will use your skilled leadership and analytical abilities to achieve the goals of the programs and business areas which are key for your success. Outstanding abilities in expressing ideas clearly, making good judgments, reaching agreements, and resolving challenges are key enablers for success in the role!
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent technical degree
5+ years of Software Development experience
3+ years of Technical Program Management experience
Proven experience leading and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including, but not limited to, Business Development, Systems, Software, Product, Test
Experience with Agile Kanban, Agile Scrum, and Waterfall development lifecycles
Experience with Atlassian tools, including JIRA and confluence
Demonstrated experience in cost, schedule, and risk management
Ability to present technical details at an abstracted level
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and programs simultaneously
The role requires outstanding communication, decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving skills as essential drivers for success
US Citizenship required
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance
Travel up to 10%
This is a hybrid role based in Carlsbad, CA