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Engineering Tech Jobs in Santa Maria, CA (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal Systems Integration

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Uses a broad range of skills and a breadth of knowledge in several engineering/technology disciplines including systems and enterprise architecture, software and hardware engineering, interface ...

SAIC

Principal Systems Integration

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... engineering/technology disciplines including systems and enterprise architecture, software and hardware engineering, interface protocols, and general problem-solving skills. • Assist in the ...

SAIC

Principal Systems Integration

Santa Maria, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

... engineering/technology disciplines including systems and enterprise architecture, software and hardware engineering, interface protocols, and general problem-solving skills. • Assist in the ...

Future Ventures

IT Network Engineer

Vandenberg Village, CA · On-site

$135 - $175/hr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or other STEM discipline and 3+ years ...

Onterris

LDAR Field Technician

Santa Maria, CA

$26/hr

Preference will be given to candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering technology or applicable technical degree/diploma; related work experience in hydrocarbon detection and ...

Onterris

LDAR Field Technician

Santa Maria, CA

$24/hr

Preference will be given to candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering technology or applicable technical degree/diploma; related work experience in hydrocarbon detection and ...

Onterris

Environmental Field Technician

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Preference will be given to candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering technology or applicable technical degree/diploma; related work experience in hydrocarbon detection and ...

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Engineering Tech information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$14

$33

$54

How much do engineering tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering tech in Santa Maria, CA is $33.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering tech?

Engineering Techs, or Engineering Technicians, are professionals who assist engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various products, equipment, or systems. They often work in fields such as manufacturing, electronics, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering. Their duties typically include preparing technical drawings, conducting experiments, collecting data, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring that projects meet quality and safety standards. Engineering Techs bridge the gap between theoretical engineering concepts and practical application in the field.

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

To thrive as an Engineering Tech, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, technical mathematics, and hands-on experience, usually backed by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with CAD software, measurement instruments, and industry-specific testing equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure precise execution of engineering tasks, support innovation, and maintain project efficiency and safety.

What are some common challenges engineering techs face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Engineering Techs often collaborate with engineers, designers, and production staff, which can present challenges such as communicating technical details to non-technical team members and balancing multiple project priorities. Adapting to different workflows and ensuring that technical documentation aligns with the needs of each department are also common hurdles. Developing strong communication skills and being proactive in seeking clarification can help overcome these challenges and contribute to project success.

What is the difference between Engineering Tech vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectEngineering TechMechanical Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certificationAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and technical support in labs or officesMaintenance, repair, and installation in industrial or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, R&DManufacturing plants, maintenance departments, industrial facilities
Common TasksAssisting engineers, preparing technical reports, testing prototypesTroubleshooting machinery, performing repairs, installing equipment

Engineering Tech and Mechanical Technician roles share similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but differ mainly in their work environments and daily tasks. Engineering Techs focus on supporting engineering projects and testing, while Mechanical Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and repairs. Both roles are vital in manufacturing and industrial sectors, often overlapping in skills but distinct in responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Engineering Tech jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineering Tech jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Engineering Tech jobs?

Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Engineering Tech job openings:

Engineering Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Tech job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,113 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Principal Systems Integration

Lompoc, CA • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 226 rated it services

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description


SAIC seeks an experienced and energetic Principal Integration Engineer to directly support the modernization of the space launch ranges, meeting mission requirements, providing range capabilities, and supporting the Assured Access to Space (AATS) mission. The overarching purpose of the program is to perform system modernization and digital transformation projects that will enable the acceleration of the space launch cadence to enable the Spaceport of the future. This position is located in Santa Maria, CA.
Job Responsibilities:
• Defines discrete systems with processes to link together complex systems and components with software applications to perform as a coordinated whole.
• Uses a broad range of skills and a breadth of knowledge in several engineering/technology disciplines including systems and enterprise architecture, software and hardware engineering, interface protocols, and general problem-solving skills.
• Assist in the development of transition planning, requirements development, and may develop architecture baselines.
• Leads development of integration and migration plans/schedules.
• Acts as an advocate for internal and external clients as an authority on architecture design to address client business problems.
• Supports business process improvements or systems analysis for missions and systems requirements.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's and nine (9) years or more experience; master's and seven (7) years or more experience; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• Basic experience with the DOE/DOD in some technical engineering forum.
• Knowledge and experience of systems engineering processes, engineering life cycle process, and systems integration functions.
• Identify and implement system and process improvements as required to increase efficiency and quality.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with staff at all levels of the organization, and able to communicate effectively with external and internal customers about technical status/issues.
• Ability to work across Integrated Product Teams and project organizations for team building, identifying gaps and deficiencies, coordinating activities, and incorporate problem solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Launch, Test, and Range Systems (LTRS) and/or aerospace industries.
• Knowledge of LTRS organizations, processes, and technical compliance documentation
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) and data management tools, such as Windchill.
• Ability to work with partially defined requirements and changing criteria.
• Ability to understand networking schematics and written test procedures.
About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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