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Design Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Toyon

Antenna Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Toyon is seeking an Antenna Design Engineer with practical experience in both the design and test of antennas and the design and test of RF and microwave circuits. Join a dynamic team of creative ...

Patagonia, Inc.

Senior Design Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$118K - $135K/yr

Senior Design Engineer Team: Advanced Concept Design Scope: Individual Contributor (P4) Experience: 8+ years Location: Ventura, CA (Hybrid) At Patagonia, our purpose is clear: We're in business to ...

Patagonia

Senior Design Engineer

Ventura, CA · Hybrid

$118K - $135K/yr

Senior Design Engineer Team: Advanced Concept Design Scope: Individual Contributor (P4) Experience: 8+ years Location: Ventura, CA (Hybrid) At Patagonia, our purpose is clear: We're in business to ...

Stryker

Design Engineer - Customized Implants

Ventura, CA · On-site

$76K - $122K/yr

Onsite Stryker is seeking a Design Engineer for our Customized Implants division in Ventura, California. Here, we specialize in designing custom temporomandibular joint (TMJ) implants that restore ...

Teledyne

Analog Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

Senior Analog Engineer: Lead analog designer of infrared image sensor arrays. As part of the design phase determines timing and designs analog signal path as well as chip level electrical and ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Analog Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

Senior Analog Engineer: Lead analog designer of infrared image sensor arrays. As part of the design phase determines timing and designs analog signal path as well as chip level electrical and ...

Teledyne

Sr. ASIC Layout Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Analog/Mixed-Signal Layout Design Engineer to help develop the next generation of high-performance focal-plane array readout integrated circuits (ROICs). These ...

Teledyne

Senior Electrical Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

The Electrical Engineer plays a key role in the design, development, and support of advanced infrared camera systems. This position involves creating electronic interfaces and printed circuit board ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Design Engineer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$45.1K

$98.1K

$176.4K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Santa Barbara, CA is $98,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $109,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What jobs can a design engineer do?

A design engineer creates and develops new products, systems, or structures across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality and safety. Design engineers often work in research and development, product design, or process improvement roles.
More about Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

For Design Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,082 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Antenna Design Engineer

Toyon

Goleta, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

U.S. Citizenship Required. Ability to qualify for a US Department of Defense security clearance required. 

This position is in-person.  


Toyon Research Corporation is a nationally recognized, employee-owned, small business engaged in research and development of systems to support our national defense. Toyon is seeking an Antenna Design Engineer with practical experience in both the design and test of antennas and the design and test of RF and microwave circuits. Join a dynamic team of creative engineers working on state-of-the-art antenna problems for radar, communications, and embedded sensors across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

Requirements

The position requires a minimum of four years RF/Antenna design experience and/or a Masters, or Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline. Excellent verbal/written skills are a must; capabilities in Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) design are a strong plus. Familiarity with standard numerical design and analysis tools such as Ansoft HFSS or CST Microwave Studio or equivalent is desired. Systems-level experience is also a plus.


 WE OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE! 

  • Competitive Industry Pay
  • 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance Premium
  • HSA with Employer Contributions
  • Dental and Vision Coverage Options
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick leave
  • Company Funded 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Life and Disability Insurance  
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Discretionary Bonus Eligibility

The annual pay range for the Antenna Design Engineer position is $100,000 to $150,000.


The posted pay range values provide the candidate with guidance on annual base compensation for the position, exclusive of overtime, bonus, and benefits-related compensation, over a range of qualifications that may fit hiring objectives. Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate's education, work experience, applicable knowledge, skills and training, among other factors, when preparing an offer of employment.


Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veterans 


 Applicant Privacy Notice  


Learn more about our company in our latest video, We are Toyon.   


Ref #2332-Q

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