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Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Toyon

AI/ML Software Engineer

Goleta, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Toyon is seeking highly qualified AI/ML Software Engineer candidates to develop software in the Python or C++ languages in support of Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) applications.

Toyon

Algorithm Developer

Goleta, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

We are looking for algorithm and software developers with experience and/or an educational background in: signal processing, machine learning, estimation theory, computer vision, computational ...

Toyon Research Corporation

Algorithm Developer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

We are looking for algorithm and software developers with experience and/or an educational background in: signal processing, machine learning, estimation theory, computer vision, computational ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachine Learning Engineer JobsMachine Learning Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Machine Learning Engineer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$35K

$143.3K

$215.3K

How much do machine learning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine learning engineer in Santa Barbara, CA is $143,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,900.00 and $172,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine learning engineer?

Machine Learning Engineers are specialized software engineers who design, build, and deploy machine learning models and systems. They work at the intersection of software engineering and data science, transforming data-driven prototypes into scalable, production-ready solutions. Their responsibilities include data preprocessing, model selection, algorithm implementation, and optimizing models for performance and efficiency. Machine Learning Engineers often collaborate with data scientists, software developers, and other stakeholders to integrate AI technologies into products and services.

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

To thrive as a Machine Learning Engineer, you need strong programming skills (particularly in Python), a solid background in mathematics and statistics, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with machine learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), data processing tools, and cloud platforms is typically required. Problem-solving ability, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating complex models into practical solutions. These competencies ensure the development, deployment, and continual improvement of machine learning systems that drive business value.

What does a machine learning engineer do?

A machine learning engineer maintains production systems and often works with other engineers. In this career, you work with software development methodology, use modern software development tools, and use agile practices. You also play a role in software design and architecture, so you may occasionally work with a programmer. An engineer may help to predict how a model should perform or seek out regression issues by using different test types and algorithms. To fulfill your duties and responsibilities, you work on a computer and use an array of skills and programs to carry out these tests.

What are some common challenges faced by machine learning engineers when deploying models to production?

Machine Learning Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring model scalability, maintaining data consistency between training and production environments, and monitoring model performance over time. Integrating models into existing software infrastructure may require collaboration with DevOps and software engineering teams to address issues like latency, version control, and resource allocation. Additionally, ongoing model maintenance is crucial to prevent model drift and ensure that predictions remain accurate as new data becomes available.

What is the difference between Machine Learning Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectMachine Learning EngineerData Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS, Data Science, or related; experience with ML frameworksBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops scalable ML models, deploys algorithms into productionAnalyzes data, builds models, interprets data insights
Industry UsageTech companies, startups, AI-focused firmsFinance, healthcare, marketing, research organizations

While both roles work with data and machine learning, Machine Learning Engineers focus on building and deploying scalable ML models in production environments. Data Scientists primarily analyze data, create models, and generate insights. The roles often overlap but differ in their core responsibilities and focus areas.

More about Machine Learning Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA? The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA? For Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Machine Learning Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Machine Learning Engineer job openings:
Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,278 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

AI/ML Software Engineer

Toyon

Goleta, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 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 is seeking highly qualified AI/ML Software Engineer candidates to develop software in the Python or C++ languages in support of Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) applications. Our software engineers work closely with our researchers and customers to create state-of-the-art solutions. Experience with Computer Vision (CV), Reinforcement Learning (RL), Large Language Models (LLMs), other AI/ML techniques, or video or signal processing is a plus. Experience working in a collaborative environment with configuration management and version control tools is also desired. Candidates should possess strong math and physics knowledge to enable developing advanced AI/ML software to solve sensor data processing or control problems.


Requirements

Candidates for the AI/ML Software Engineer position should have a strong background in engineering, computer science, physics, and/or mathematics. An advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.) or a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of industry experience are required. 


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 AI/ML Software Engineer position is $120,000 to $200,000.


The posted pay range values provide the candidate with guidance on annual base compensation for the position, at a full time level of effort, 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. 


The application window for this posting will remain open until the position is filled. 


Ref #2670-C

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