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Computer Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

... Computer Engineering, or Computer Science • Minimum of 8+ years of working experience in hardware validation environment • Strong knowledge of computer architecture • Familiar with Linux ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance server and storage solutions. We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The ...

Physical Design - CAD Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

This role is in a newly formed hardware engineering group and is the seed hire for this discipline. You will get to setup CAD flows and infra from scratch and influence and shape this aspect in the ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance server and storage solutions. We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The ...

Join Micron as a Principal CAD Engineer/Manager in Boise, ID, and play a pivotal role in crafting the future of memory and semiconductor technologies! This outstanding opportunity lets you lead and ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$148K - $165K/yr

Super Micro Computer is a global leader in end-to-end computing and high-performance networking solutions. We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented design team. In this role ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$148K - $165K/yr

Super Micro Computer is a global leader in end-to-end computing and high-performance networking solutions. We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented design team. In this role ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Qualifications: • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. • 3 to 5 years of experience in server system development, validation, or production-related ...

Sr. Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * 8+ years of experience in firmware validation, networking, or embedded systems support * Basic ...

IC CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$127K - $226K/yr

Master in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science + 10 years of EDA experience. * Expertise in the following CAD Tools: Virtuoso Studio 25.1, Cadence Maestro, Spectre, Virtuoso Layout, Quantus QRC ...

Showing results 41-60

Computer Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$56K

$140.3K

$158.8K

How much do computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $140,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,700.00 and $151,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer engineer?

To thrive as a Computer Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and hardware/software design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as C/C++ or Python), circuit design tools, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are highly valuable. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure that computer engineers can design, implement, and optimize systems that meet technical requirements and business goals.

Are computer engineers highly paid?

Computer engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, location, and specialization. In general, they are among the higher-paid engineering professionals, especially those with skills in software development, hardware design, or cybersecurity. Advanced certifications and expertise in programming languages or systems can further increase earning potential.

What is the difference between Computer Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco, CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; certifications like Microsoft, AWS
Work EnvironmentDesigning hardware, embedded systems, and software integration in labs or officesWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications in offices or remote setups
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, telecommunications, embedded systemsIT firms, software companies, startups, enterprise software development

Computer Engineers focus on both hardware and software systems, often working on embedded systems and hardware integration. Software Developers primarily create and maintain software applications. While their roles overlap in programming, Computer Engineers have a broader scope including hardware design, whereas Software Developers specialize in software solutions.

What is a computer engineer?

A computer engineer designs, researches, tests, and develops computer equipment and software such as circuit boards, chips, routers, and application programs. Computer engineers analyze complex equipment and systems to understand the best way to improve it. They create new types of information technology devices and use logic and reasoning to hone in on goals, test assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. Engineers often work in teams and have to be able to communicate with other types of engineers, including non-technical team members. Computer engineers make sure that components fit together properly and function according to the latest software developments.

What kind of jobs do computer engineers have?

Computer engineers work in designing, developing, and testing computer hardware and software systems. They may be involved in areas such as embedded systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development, often requiring knowledge of programming languages and engineering principles.

What are common challenges computer engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Computer engineers often collaborate with software developers, hardware designers, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and communication styles. Ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of system limitations and integration points is crucial, as miscommunication can lead to project delays or rework. Staying adaptable and proactively clarifying expectations helps computer engineers navigate these collaborative environments successfully.
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? For Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Computer Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Computer Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Engineer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 77% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,309 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Architecture

Efficient Computer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Efficient is developing the world's most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient's patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform's unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution
Efficient is looking for an Engineering Manager to lead the Architecture team from both a people and delivery perspective. You will partner with technical leads to set priorities, align roadmaps, and drive execution across key engineering initiatives. This role owns the team's operational cadence, including sprint planning, backlog management, project tracking, and cross-functional coordination to ensure projects are delivered on time.
In addition to project execution, you will be responsible for people leadership, including coaching, performance management, hiring, and team development. You will also work with external engineering partners and vendors to coordinate deliverables and augment internal development efforts.
If you're passionate about building high-performing teams and driving execution in a fast-paced engineering environment, this is an opportunity to help shape the next generation of energy-efficient processors.
Key Responsibilities
  • Managing and developing the engineering team by:
    • Conducting regular 1:1 meetings with team members to offer constructive feedback
    • Creating growth plans with key performance indicators for each team member
    • Measuring and tracking the performance of team members
    • Being instrumental in the hiring process, screening résumés and conducting interviews
  • Planning and tracking the work of the architecture team, including:
    • Working closely with technical leads to prioritize work and set roadmaps based on business requirements from the Product, Sales and Marketing teams
    • Creating sprint plans and retrospectives
    • Managing day-to-day operations, including conducting scrum/standup meetings
    • Creating, rescoping, prioritizing and generally keeping track of tasks
  • Engaging with external vendors/partners to augment internal engineering efforts by:
    • Developing clear statements of work
    • Conducting frequent alignment meetings
    • Tracking the progress of external contractors

About the Architecture Team
The Architecture team drives the design of all of Efficient's technology, from compilers through hardware, translating product goals into technical specifications. With inputs from other teams and in-house simulation tools, they conduct rapid design explorations to find Pareto-optimal architectures that balance efficiency, performance, and area.
Required Qualifications & Experience Requirements
  • Must be an excellent manager with 5+ years of post-graduate experience
  • Prior experience leading projects and scaling teams for growth
  • Adept at project management: sprint planning, issue tracking, etc
  • Flexible and effective in managing rapidly evolving team priorities and focus
  • Must have background in computer architecture or an adjacent discipline, and familiarity with the technical problems and solutions in the field
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field;
  • Experience working with outside vendors to deliver key engineering products
  • Outstanding communication skills and a strong attention to detail

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $200,000 to $240,000, along with bonus, meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.
Why Join Efficient?
Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.