1

Engineering Operations Manager Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Resident Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... or operational facilities type projects. * Types of infrastructure projects include civil ...

Directs the overall operations, maintenance, repair, administration and logistics of M/V ... Command Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center. * Provides oversight and management ...

Program Quality Lead

Goleta, CA · On-site

$118.30 - $224.90/hr

Bachelor's Degree and at least eight (8) years of experience in Quality, Engineering, Operations and/or Program Management. * Experience with IS09001, AS 9100 quality management systems. * Industry ...

Senior Front End Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site +1

$174K - $249K/yr

Collaborate with business stakeholders, product managers, designers, researchers, and engineering ... Build, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows using DevOps tools such as ...

Showing results 41-60

Engineering Operations Manager information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$34.5K

$70.6K

$131.9K

How much do engineering operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering operations manager in Santa Barbara, CA is $70,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $86,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an engineering operations manager do?

An Engineering Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of engineering teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. They coordinate between different departments, manage resources, implement processes to improve efficiency, and resolve operational issues. Their role often includes supervising staff, developing operational policies, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Ultimately, they help align engineering activities with the company’s strategic goals.

What are some common challenges faced by engineering operations managers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Engineering Operations Managers often face challenges such as balancing project timelines with resource constraints, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring quality standards are met while controlling costs. Effective management involves clear communication, proactive risk assessment, and continuous process improvement. Leveraging project management tools and fostering a collaborative team culture can help address these challenges and drive successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as an Engineering Operations Manager, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and operations oversight, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like MS Project or Asana), ERP systems, and relevant certifications such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set standout candidates apart in managing teams and driving process improvements. These competencies ensure efficient operations, timely project delivery, and alignment with organizational goals in an engineering environment.

What is the difference between Engineering Operations Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering Operations ManagerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, tech companiesManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design

The Engineering Operations Manager focuses on overseeing engineering teams and managing operations, while Mechanical Engineers are involved in designing and developing mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering credentials, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

How much do engineering operations managers make?

Engineering Operations Managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee engineering teams, manage processes, and utilize tools like project management software, with higher salaries generally associated with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities.

Is engineering operations manager a high paying job?

Engineering Operations Managers typically earn higher-than-average salaries due to their leadership responsibilities, technical expertise, and experience requirements. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size but generally includes a competitive base salary and benefits. Advanced skills in project management, engineering, and operations contribute to higher earning potential in this role.

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Engineering Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Engineering Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineering Operations Manager job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,606 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Resident Engineer

UNICO Engineering

Goleta, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Company Overview:

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems Integration services to public and private clients. With a spirit of cooperation and partnership, UNICO focuses on responsiveness, delivering value, and meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations.

UNICO is a fast-growing consulting firm with significant opportunities for upward mobility. UNICO supports professional development and continuing education. Fun, flexible work environment and competitive compensation and benefits.

Ideal Candidate:

  • Experience leading local, state and federally funded transportation contracts for projects located in Southern California.
  • 8+ years relevant industry experience, familiar with transportation, transit or operational facilities type projects.
  • Types of infrastructure projects include civil improvements, structural facilities, electrical and mechanical systems, underground utilities, earthwork, TOD, etc.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Competitive Salary and generous benefits including health, vision, dental, life, disability, 401(k), PTO and paid holidays. Energizing, fast-paced, nimble and expanding company with plenty of opportunities for career growth.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance

Requirements:

  • BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural Engineering
  • Registered Professional Engineer in California
  • 10+ years of industry experience in a related discipline (as a design engineer, field engineer, construction engineer, project engineer, engineering manager, or military construction engineer)
  • 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency
  • Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record
  • Must have the ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and background check

Responsibilities:

The Resident Engineer will be responsible for successful completion of construction projects. Specific responsibilities include being an owner's representative, attending and running client and contractor meetings, reviewing plans and specifications and ensuring compliance with documents, providing project documentation in the form of letters, RFI/Submittal responses, change orders, etc., overseeing field inspection, supervising project inspection teams, and providing technical guidance and quality assurance, maintaining project controls including cost and schedule management. Must have experience working in a team environment, and have the ability to direct and supervise field construction activities and staff, office engineering, inspection, materials testing, field contract administration, and to act as liaison with clients/owners, consultants, contractors, design professionals, public involvement and regulatory agencies.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, UNICO Engineering considers applicants for all positions without regard to race (including natural hairstyles), color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, age (40 and over), medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (including sexual harassment, sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME