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Associate Biomedical Engineering Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Associate Biomedical Engineering information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$45.6K

$105.5K

$155.8K

How much do associate biomedical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate biomedical engineering in Santa Barbara, CA is $105,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $129,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate biomedical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Biomedical Engineer, you need a solid grounding in biomedical engineering principles, mathematics, and biology, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, laboratory instrumentation, and medical device regulations such as FDA or ISO standards is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and clear communication help you collaborate effectively and address complex challenges. These competencies are essential to ensure the safe design, development, and maintenance of medical devices that improve patient outcomes.

What are some typical projects and team collaborations an associate biomedical engineer can expect in their first year?

As an Associate Biomedical Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, testing, and maintenance of medical devices or equipment. You’ll often collaborate with clinical staff, senior engineers, and quality assurance teams to ensure devices meet safety and regulatory standards. Early in your career, you'll likely assist in troubleshooting equipment issues, updating documentation, and participating in cross-functional meetings. This collaborative environment helps you gain diverse technical skills and build strong professional relationships.

What jobs can I get with an associate biomedical engineering degree?

An associate biomedical engineering degree prepares individuals for roles such as biomedical technician, medical equipment repairer, or clinical engineering assistant. These positions involve maintaining and repairing medical devices, working in healthcare settings, and supporting biomedical equipment operations, often requiring knowledge of electronics, troubleshooting skills, and familiarity with medical standards.

What is an associate biomedical engineer?

Associate Biomedical Engineers are entry- to mid-level professionals who apply engineering principles to healthcare, focusing on designing, developing, and maintaining medical devices and equipment. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure that medical technology is safe, effective, and compliant with regulations. Their responsibilities can include equipment testing, troubleshooting, installation, and collaborating with medical staff to support patient care. This role often serves as a foundation for career growth in the biomedical engineering field.

What is the difference between Associate Biomedical Engineering vs Biomedical Engineer?

AspectAssociate Biomedical EngineeringBiomedical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree; often a master's for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting research, testing, and device developmentDesign, develop, and evaluate medical devices and systems
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research labs, medical device companiesMedical device firms, healthcare institutions, research organizations

The main difference between Associate Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. An Associate Biomedical Engineering typically holds an entry-level position focused on supporting projects, while a Biomedical Engineer has more advanced responsibilities in designing and developing medical technologies. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Biomedical Engineer often has more autonomy and technical expertise.

What job categories do people searching Associate Biomedical Engineering jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Biomedical Engineering jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Associate Biomedical Engineering jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Associate Biomedical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Biomedical Engineering job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,490 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Specialist (Assistant and Associate levels) in interdisciplinary biotechnology research

UC Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Specialist (Assistant and Associate levels) in interdisciplinary biotechnology research

The Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) is an Army-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The ICB is a uniquely interdisciplinary research alliance led by the University of California, Santa Barbara, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology, and partners from the Army and industry.

ICB research is driven by more than 50 premier faculty working together with graduate students, project scientists, specialists, and professional researchers as interdisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, physicists, psychologists, physicians, social scientists, and engineers. These teams develop biologically inspired, revolutionary technological innovations in systems and synthetic biology, materials science and engineering, biotechnology tools and cognitive neuroscience.

The ICB is actively seeking Specialists (in the Assistant or Associate ranks) to commit effort on ICB projects. This is a large, pooled recruitment covering many disciplines and research foci. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed through September 30, 2026. The number of positions varies depending on the needs of the department. The use of a pooled recruitment does not guarantee that an open position exists at the time you are applying. Positions may range from part-time to full-time.

Appointees at the Assistant level enable research as part of a team and may provide some independent input into the planning and execution of the research. Appointees at the Associate level enable research as part of a team and normally provide considerable independent input into the planning and execution of the research. Appointees to the Specialist series engage in specialized research, professional activity, and University and/or public service. Specialists use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community.

The ICB has a vast research portfolio, indicated by (but not limited to) the following to projects and disciplines:

  • Systems and synthetic biology
  • Control and dynamical systems
  • Photonic and electronic materials
  • Electronic materials and devices
  • Cellular structural materials
  • Biotechnology and biotechnology tools
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Psychological and brain sciences
  • Medical
  • Biomedical
  • Nanofluidics and microfluidics
  • Biomimetics and biofilms
  • Social media analysis and predictive modeling
  • Molecular, cellular, ecosystems, marine science, and biology research
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Bioengineering
  • Materials
  • Computer Science
  • Chemistry and biochemistry
  • Microfabrication
  • Nanofabrication
  • Atomic force
  • Microscopy
  • Microfluidics
  • Physics
  • Computer Science

The ICB has other pooled recruitments that may be of interest to potential applicants, including: Junior Specialists Project Scientists

Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Appointees to this series must possess a master's degree in a relevant discipline as listed in the position description at time of application.

Preferred qualifications Previous research experience in a relevant discipline as listed in the position description.

Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter

Reference requirements 3 required (contact information only)

References for finalist(s) may be contacted by phone/email after interviews.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.


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About UC Santa Barbara

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Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Barbara, CA, US

Year founded

1954