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Contract Embedded Software Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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Contract Embedded Software information

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$77.9K

$170.7K

$193.6K

How much do contract embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded software in Santa Barbara, CA is $170,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,300.00 and $192,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract embedded software?

A Contract Embedded Software job involves developing, testing, and maintaining embedded systems software for a company on a temporary or project basis. Contractors typically work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C or C++. These roles can vary in duration and may involve working remotely or onsite. Contract engineers often collaborate with hardware teams, follow specific project requirements, and ensure system reliability and performance.

What are typical challenges faced in a contract embedded software role?

Contract embedded software professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new hardware platforms, integrating with legacy systems, and rapidly understanding diverse project requirements. Since contracts are often project-based, there may be limited time for onboarding, requiring strong self-motivation and efficient troubleshooting skills. Additionally, clear documentation and collaboration with hardware engineers or cross-functional teams are critical to ensure smooth system integration. These challenges can be rewarding, as they provide opportunities to develop broad technical expertise and experience a wide variety of products and industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract embedded software position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Embedded Software professional, you need strong experience with programming languages like C or C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware interfacing, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are highly valued. Effective problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing project-based work. These capabilities ensure you can deliver robust, efficient solutions within project timelines in dynamic, technology-driven environments.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Software jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

For Contract Embedded Software jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Software jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Software jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Contract Embedded Software jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Contract Embedded Software job openings:

Contract Embedded Software jobs near you

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Goleta, CA

$107K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

115th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 114785 

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 5 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.  

Job Summary

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a Full Time Senior Embedded Software Engineer.  This position is based out of our Goleta, CA facility and will have the option to work an in person or hybrid schedule.  The Senior Software Engineer provides technical and analytical work to develop, design, and/or support software solutions across multiple U.S. defense industries.  Duties include participating in software design activities, developing code based on the architecture and technical design, creating and performing unit tests, enhancing the software development process, and playing an active role in test case planning for components and functions developed by the project team.  The selected candidate will work with other engineering disciplines and use their software development expertise to create robust technical solutions across multiple technology areas.

Job Responsibilities
  • Complete a technical project independently and lead other engineers
  • Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them
  • Design and write embedded software code
  • Develop, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems 
  • Provide budget, cost and schedule input for design assignments
  • Document component and subsystem specifications
  • Specify and evaluate supplier subsystems and services
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of software engineering principles and core concepts (e.g., data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, and databases) to create software solutions that meet project-based needs
  • Apply core computer science concepts in the development, testing, and documentation of software units
  • Participate as a member of the testing team to plan and review test cases within software solution components
  • Participate in code reviews with the systems engineers, software architects, and other technical staff
  • Collaborate with internal and external customers to develop systems to meet required business specifications
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer as required
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
  • Proven Computer Science fundamentals in algorithm design, problem solving, and complexity analysis
  • 5+ years of industry experience in delivering high-quality, innovative applications and programming experience in one or more of the following: C, C++, C# and/or Java.
  • Practical experience working with embedded hardware
  • Experience in Object Oriented design and development
  • Experience following formal software development processes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work well in a team environment as well as independently with little day-to-day guidance
  • Demonstrates an ambition to learn
  • Experience with Linux/Unix and/or Windows
  • Experience with software version control systems (preferably GIT)
  • Willing to travel up to 20% as necessary

The salary range for this position is $107,089.00/year- $144,570.00/year for the state of California.  This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #LSY

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About Leonardo DRS

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Industry

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing and communications equipment manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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