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Senior Computer Programmer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the architecture and guide the ... Expert with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) including revision control (PDM/PLM), and GD&T (ASME ...

Sr Software DevOps Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Sr Software DevOps Engineer Company: Digital Surgery Systems Inc. Job Posting Location: Goleta ... Braun company, is a World Leader in Computer-Guided Microsurgery. We combine 3D visualization and ...

Toyon Research Corporation is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer to join our ... Proficiency with EE CAD and simulation tools (Altium, OrCAD, KiCad, SPICE, etc.) * Familiarity with ...

Senior Front End Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site +1

$174K - $249K/yr

Senior Front-End Engineer Location: 42 N. Chestnut St., Ventura, CA 93001 *Telecommuting permitted ... S. or foreign equivalent) in Computer Science or related field and four (4) years of experience in ...

Job Summary Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer. This position is ... May use computer-aided engineering or other design/analysis software in the performance of ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

Job Summary Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer. This position is ... May use computer-aided engineering or other design/analysis software in the performance of ...

Senior Software Developer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Overview We are seeking a Senior Software Developer to join our team and work with us on the ... in computer science (or other relevant concentration) required. An additional three years of ...

Senior Design Engineer

Ventura, CA · Hybrid

$118K - $135K/yr

Role: Senior Design Engineer Team: Advanced Concept Design Scope: Individual Contributor (P4 ... Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods of time. * Ability to maintain a composed ...

Senior Design Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$118K - $135K/yr

Role: Senior Design Engineer Team: Advanced Concept Design Scope: Individual Contributor (P4 ... Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods of time. * Ability to maintain a composed ...

The Senior Infrastructure & Systems Engineer will be a key contributor within the IT Operations ... Bachelor's Degree in IT, Computer Science, or equivalent experience * 5-8+ years of enterprise ...

Sr Software DevOps Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Braun company, is a World Leader in Computer-Guided Microsurgery. We combine 3D visualization and ... Summary The Senior DevOps Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of best-in ...

Sr. Software Engineer - Accounting

Goleta, CA · On-site +1

$132K - $174K/yr

About this job We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a 6-person cross-functional ... Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science or related technical discipline. * At least >5 ...

Sr. Software Engineer - Accounting

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site +1

$132K - $174K/yr

About this job We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a 6-person cross-functional ... Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science or related technical discipline. * At least >5 ...

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

... Senior Embedded Software Engineer. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Design, code, debug, and integrate new ... Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering desired. Bachelor of ...

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Senior Computer Programmer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

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How much do senior computer programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior computer programmer in Santa Barbara, CA is $58.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.94 and $69.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do senior computer programmers do?

Senior computer programmers design, develop, and maintain software applications, often leading projects and mentoring junior staff. They write code in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python, perform code reviews, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure software quality and performance.

What is a senior computer programmer?

Senior Computer Programmers are experienced professionals who design, write, test, and maintain complex computer software and applications. They often lead programming teams, mentor junior developers, and contribute to architectural decisions. Their responsibilities include reviewing code for efficiency and security, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that software meets both technical and business requirements. Typically, they have several years of experience in software development and are proficient in multiple programming languages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior computer programmer?

To thrive as a Senior Computer Programmer, you need advanced proficiency in programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), strong problem-solving abilities, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in software development tools, version control systems (like Git), and familiarity with industry-standard frameworks is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate. Exceptional communication, leadership, and teamwork skills help you manage projects and mentor junior developers. These skills ensure you can deliver robust software solutions efficiently, drive technical innovation, and contribute effectively to team and organizational goals.

What type of senior computer programmer is most in demand?

Senior computer programmers with expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science are highly in demand. Skills in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, along with experience in agile environments and relevant certifications, increase employability in this role.

What is the difference between Senior Computer Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectSenior Computer ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; experience in programmingBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; coding experience
Work EnvironmentDevelops, tests, and maintains code; often in teamsDesigns and builds software applications; collaborates with stakeholders
Industry UsageCommon in tech, finance, healthcare sectorsWidespread across industries for application development
Search/Comparison IntentFocuses on programming expertise and experienceBroader software development responsibilities

While both roles involve coding and technical skills, a Senior Computer Programmer primarily focuses on writing, testing, and maintaining code, often with specialized programming expertise. A Software Developer typically has a broader role, including designing software solutions and collaborating with teams. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but their focus areas differ slightly.

What are some typical challenges senior computer programmers face when leading project development?

Senior Computer Programmers often encounter challenges such as managing complex codebases, balancing hands-on coding with mentoring junior developers, and ensuring that projects meet both technical and business requirements. They are frequently responsible for architectural decisions, code reviews, and integrating new technologies, which requires staying current with industry trends. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—including product managers, designers, and QA—are essential to delivering successful software solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Programmer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Computer Programmer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Senior Computer Programmer jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Senior Computer Programmer job openings:

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

HEICO

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR), a subsidiary of HEICO Corporation (NYSE: HEI, HEI.A), designs and manufactures electro-optical (E-O), including advanced infrared (IR), test instrumentation used worldwide. Our products support the testing of military and commercial sensor systems in laboratory, production, depot, and field environments. SBIR has built its reputation as a fast-paced, innovative company that provides highly engineered, cost-effective solutions to the aerospace and defense community.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the architecture and guide the development of precision mechanical systems for IR test equipment. In this role, you'll define mechanical design approaches, create and refine complex assemblies, and ensure system-level integration in collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams. You will serve as a technical leader to junior engineers, providing design guidance, reviews, and best practices, while remaining hands-on in CAD, analysis, and prototyping. Your expertise will directly shape the performance and reliability of next-generation optical test systems used by global aerospace and defense leaders. This is a hands-on, on-site role based in Santa Barbara, CA.
$145,000.00/yr. -$195,000.00/yr. - DOE
M-F (Full-Time, On-Site)
Responsibilities
  • Own architecture and complete lifecycle of E-O/IR systems, ensuring that mechanical designs meet all performance, environmental, and compliance requirements, driving traceability from concept through delivery.
  • Contribute to the ME team's budgetary and schedule estimations, and rapidly identify corrective paths to keep projects on track.
  • Identify technical, schedule, and manufacturing risks early, and drive mitigations to maintain program success.
  • Partner with project managers, system engineers, vendors, and production staff to support manufacturing and rapidly implement performance, reliability, and quality improvements.
  • Drive semiconductor integration and hardware design for IR scene projection products and programs.
  • Drive ECO's to create and maintain detailed design documentation, including fabrication/assembly drawings, BOMs, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • 10+ years of related experience.
  • Expert with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) including revision control (PDM/PLM), and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) including tolerance stack-ups.
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for static analysis.
  • Background in optical systems (including alignment and precision adjustment mechanisms), vacuum hardware design, electro-mechanical system design, and/or power electronics packaging.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Experience with FEA/CFD simulation tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, COMSOL) for thermal/structural/frequency analysis.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal cycling, shock, EMI/EMC, or MIL-STD/DO-160 standards)
  • Experience with Zemax or other optical design/tolerance analysis tools.
  • Background in vacuum hardware design, sealing, and hermetic packaging.

Additional Information
Due to US Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates MUST be a US citizen, permanent resident or a person who has been granted asylum; proper documentation required. Pre-employment verifications: must pass background, reference and ITAR/EAR checks in addition to a pre-employment drug screen.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, HSA, FSA, 9/80 alternate work week schedule, LTD, life insurance, and more.
Equal Opportunity
SBIR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (Male/Female/Veteran/Disabled).