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Engineer Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Civil Engineer

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$11K - $13K/mo

The Principal Civil Engineer manages, oversees, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff responsible for professional and technical engineering operations of the capital improvement program ...

IE&C Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $168K/yr

Participate in technical discussions with customers and suppliers, and provide accurate, timely engineering data to project management, sales, manufacturing, and service teams. To succeed, you will ...

IE&C Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site +1

$97K - $168K/yr

Participate in technical discussions with customers and suppliers, and provide accurate, timely engineering data to project management, sales, manufacturing, and service teams. To succeed, you will ...

IE&C Engineer

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $168K/yr

Participate in technical discussions with customers and suppliers, and provide accurate, timely engineering data to project management, sales, manufacturing, and service teams. To succeed, you will ...

Participate in technical discussions with customers and suppliers, and provide accurate, timely engineering data to project management, sales, manufacturing, and service teams. To succeed, you will ...

Production Supervisor (Engineer)

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Personnel Management: Lead Operators, and Maintenance personnel. Provide hands-on training, support ... Phase 2: Engineering & Strategic Optimization (Future Rotations) * Continuous Improvement:

Personnel Management: Lead Operators, and Maintenance personnel. Provide hands-on training, support ... Phase 2: Engineering & Strategic Optimization (Future Rotations) * Continuous Improvement:

Resident Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions. SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative ... Independently manages project execution, representing Cannon in interactions with public agencies ...

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Engineer Manager information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$47.7K

$150.5K

$178.4K

How much do engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer manager in Santa Maria, CA is $150,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,400.00 and $177,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering manager?

An Engineering Manager is a professional who oversees engineering teams, guiding them to achieve project goals and company objectives. They are responsible for managing people, processes, and resources, ensuring that engineering projects are completed on time and within budget. Engineering Managers also collaborate with other departments, mentor team members, and help develop technical strategies. Their role bridges the gap between technical engineering tasks and organizational leadership.

How does an engineer manager typically support professional development within their team?

Engineer Managers play a key role in fostering the growth of their team members by providing regular feedback, identifying learning opportunities, and encouraging participation in training or mentorship programs. They often help engineers set clear career goals, guide them through skill development, and advocate for their advancement within the organization. By promoting a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, Engineer Managers help team members stay motivated and aligned with both personal and company objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering manager, and why are they important?

To excel as an Engineering Manager, you need a strong technical background in engineering principles, project management experience, and often a relevant degree such as in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Asana), version control systems (such as Git), and possibly certifications like PMP or Agile Scrum Master are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills help you motivate teams and manage stakeholders effectively. These competencies are crucial for delivering successful projects, fostering a productive team environment, and driving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Engineer Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectEngineer ManagerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in computer science, software engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersDevelops software, writes code, tests applications
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, engineering firms, startupsTech companies, software firms, IT departments

Engineer Managers oversee engineering teams, manage projects, and coordinate resources, while Software Engineers focus on designing, coding, and testing software. Both roles require technical skills, but Engineer Managers also handle leadership and strategic planning.

Are engineering managers paid well?

Engineering managers typically earn high salaries due to their leadership responsibilities, technical expertise, and experience level. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size but generally includes base pay, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting the seniority of the role.

How much do you make as an engineering manager?

Engineering managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $120,000 to $180,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee engineering teams, manage projects, and require strong leadership and technical skills, with some roles offering additional bonuses or stock options.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Engineer Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA?

For Engineer Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engineer Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineer Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Engineer Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Engineer Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineer Manager job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,545 per year, or $72.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturingย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Systems Engineer
Job Summary:
The Systems Engineer will play a key role in supporting the development, integration, and delivery of advanced aerospace systems. This position is responsible for leading and executing systems engineering activities across the full product lifecycle, including requirements development, system architecture, risk management, verification and validation, and configuration control. The Systems Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams-including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and program management-to ensure system designs meet functional specifications, customer expectations, and industry standards. This role also contributes to the creation and improvement of systems engineering processes, documentation, and best practices to enhance program efficiency and technical rigor. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and excels in a dynamic environment where innovation and quality are top priorities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Provide comprehensive systems engineering support, including requirements analysis, design oversight, and technical guidance.
  • Develop Systems Engineering best practices, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Participate in planning, design, testing, and deployment of complex systems to ensure conformance with functional specifications and customer requirements
  • Manage system requirements, including requirements development, tracking, decomposition, and verification
  • Develop systems engineering management documentation such as Systems Engineering Management Plans, Risk Management Plans, and Configuration Management Plans
  • Develop systems engineering technical documentation such as Requirements Verification Traceability Matrices, Interface Control Documents, and Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analyses
  • Develop systems engineering documentation in support of system Verification and Validation efforts such as Verification Plans and Test Plans
  • Perform system reliability, hazard, and risk analysis
  • Regularly report on progress to ESAero team and customer
  • Develop and maintain project documentation to high quality standards

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 3-5 years relevant experience
  • Experience providing Systems Engineering support
  • Experience developing system requirements
  • Experience with requirements verification and validation (V&V) activities
  • Experience with risk management processes
  • Proven understanding of system architecture development and documentation
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desired Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent field and/or 5+ years design, testing or relevant experience
  • Experience with disciplines closely adjacent to Systems Engineering such as system safety analysis, reliability modeling, product certification, etc.
  • Fundamental understanding of other disciplines including stress, dynamics, thermal analysis, production, electronics, test engineering, etc.
  • Familiarity with flight testing
  • Experience with MS Projects
  • Familiarity with high power electro-mechanical propulsion systems
  • Experience working within the aerospace industry, specifically with electrified aircraft or UAVs
  • Experience with Jama Connect

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don't just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check.
Pay Range: $90k-120k Salary Exempt