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Senior Engineer Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sonatech

Senior Transducer Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$113K - $156K/yr

... senior-level position, reporting to the Transducer Engineering Manager. As a Transducer Engineer, you will play a critical role in researching, designing, developing, documenting and testing ...

Compal USA

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

The Senior Optical Systems Engineer candidate will contribute to the development of optical based ADAS cameras, including thermal infrared, for advanced driver assistance systems. Major ...

Compal

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Senior Optical Systems Engineer candidate will contribute to the development of optical based ADAS cameras, including thermal infrared, for advanced driver assistance systems. Major ...

Techoundsllc

Structural Engineer E.I.T.

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of experience in structural analysis and design, working under the supervision of Senior Project Engineers and Project Managers. Candidates should possess ...

AppFolio, Inc.

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site +1

$116K - $159K/yr

Who We Are Looking For We're hiring a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to design and ship the next generation of voice and conversational AI agents within Realm-X. This role helps define AppFolio ...

AppFolio

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Who We Are Looking For We're hiring a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to design and ship the next generation of voice and conversational AI agents within Realm-X. This role helps define AppFolio ...

AppFolio

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Who We Are Looking For We're hiring a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to design and ship the next generation of voice and conversational AI agents within Realm-X. This role helps define AppFolio ...

Stantec

Civil Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$107K - $155K/yr

In general, this role will assist more senior engineers/designers by performing the routine aspects of civil engineering assignments and may assist in the analysis of proposed projects. * Perform ...

Stantec

Civil Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$107K - $155K/yr

In general, this role will assist more senior engineers/designers by performing the routine aspects of civil engineering assignments and may assist in the analysis of proposed projects. * Perform ...

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All JobsEngineer JobsSenior Engineer JobsSenior Engineer Jobs in Goleta, CA

Senior Engineer information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$64.2K

$136.6K

$198K

How much do senior engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior engineer in Goleta, CA is $136,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,800.00 and $154,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior engineer?

Senior engineers develop and design software programs and applications, but are designated senior because they have more extensive knowledge and years of experience than other engineers on their team. As a senior engineer, you work closely with company managers to ensure the software is created to the required specifications and must troubleshoot issues with applications when they arise. Most senior engineers have mastered a specific set of programming languages, databases, and operating systems.

What is a senior engineer?

A Senior Engineer is an experienced professional responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex engineering projects. They often lead teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that technical solutions meet organizational goals and industry standards. Senior Engineers are typically experts in their field, possessing advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of relevant technologies and methodologies. Their role also often involves collaborating across departments, managing timelines, and contributing to strategic planning.

How does a senior engineer typically mentor junior team members, and what impact does this have on the team's success?

Senior Engineers often play a key role in mentoring junior developers by providing guidance on technical challenges, reviewing code, and sharing best practices. This mentorship helps foster a collaborative environment where less-experienced team members can develop their skills more rapidly. As a result, the entire team benefits from improved code quality, faster problem-solving, and a culture of continuous learning. Senior Engineers also help set standards and encourage professional growth, which contributes to the overall success and cohesion of the engineering team.

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

To thrive as a Senior Engineer, you need advanced technical expertise in your engineering discipline, a relevant degree, and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with project management software, CAD tools, and compliance with engineering standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) is typically required. Critical thinking, leadership, and effective communication are essential soft skills for mentoring teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualities ensure successful project delivery, innovation, and strong team performance within engineering environments.

What is the difference between Senior Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSenior EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering; often a master's; professional engineering license (PE) preferredBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; PE license optional but advantageous
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, project management; leadership rolesDesign, analysis, testing, manufacturing
Industry UsageUsed across engineering sectors for experienced professionalsEntry to mid-level engineering roles in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Senior Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced credentials compared to Mechanical Engineers. While Mechanical Engineers focus on design and analysis, Senior Engineers often oversee projects and mentor teams, making them suitable for higher-level roles within engineering teams.

More about Senior Engineer jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Senior Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA?

For Senior Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Senior Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA are:

What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Senior Engineer jobs?

Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Senior Engineer job openings:

Senior Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Engineer job openings in Goleta, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,550 per year, or $65.6 per hour.

Senior Transducer Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Sonatech
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Sonatechexternal

$113K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

About SonatechSonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company. With a focus on supplying advanced SONAR solutions for the US Navy, our technical expertise, customized design capabilities and diverse manufacturing abilities have led to Sonatech products being deployed in virtually every class of underwater Navy system currently in operation.Located in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA, we pride ourselves on having a culture of innovation as well as first-class customer service. Sonatech has a challenging and rewarding work environment where employees have the opportunity to develop their careers by taking on new responsibilities and providing innovative solutions.Job Description and Key ResponsibilitiesThis is a senior-level position, reporting to the Transducer Engineering Manager. As a Transducer Engineer, you will play a critical role in researching, designing, developing, documenting and testing transducers that will be integrated into the next generation of underwater acoustics systems. You will be expected to collaborate closely with other departments to transform concepts into fully functional designs, ensuring that all components meet performance and reliability standards.Design new piezoelectric transducers for underwater applications.Design and selection of piezoelectric components and other passive materials useful for transducer/sensor design.Provide mechanical and electrical design expertise to support the production of piezoelectric products.Test and evaluate new designs using common laboratory equipment used for acoustic products as well as acoustically in test tanks.Test and evaluate transducers in the Sonatech Acoustic Test Facility, using Sonatech developed software and hardware.Improve mechanical designs of existing transducers to reduce cost and improve manufacturing processes.Acoustic analysis of transducer performance parameters necessary to characterize a transducer.Perform trade-off and value analysis during the product design phase while optimizing development costs.Coordinate projects and tasks with other mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to complete assignments and projects on schedule.Maintain project files and appropriate records of work.Research and investigate leading edge technologies for creating new products or processes.Transform concepts into fully functional designs based on specification requirements, incorporating input from customers and collaborating with engineers across multiple disciplines.Required Education and Basic ExperienceBachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, Physics or a related field7-10 years minimum experience in piezoelectric transducer design and manufacture in the defense, medical, oil & gas, or industrial marketsKnowledge of piezo-ceramic types, modes, and properties useful for transducer designProficient with mechanical design software such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, or InventorKnowledge of Finite Element Method (FEM) software such as COMSOL or ANSYS is a plus.Knowledge of how to design metal, plastic, and ceramic parts including material selection and fabrication techniquesKnowledge of adhesives for different materials and their uses in transducer productionGeneral knowledge of electronics, soldering, connectors, etc.Good written and oral communication skillsGood interpersonal skills and an ability to work with every level of the organizationRequired Citizenship and Security ClearanceUS Citizenship is requiredAbility to obtain a U.S. government security clearanceBenefitsBenefits include medical, dental and vision, life insurance, paid vacation and sick time, 3% 401K contribution (no matching required), company eventsSalary RangeSalary Range: $145,000- $180,000Job Type: Full-time, onsite at our Santa Barbara office from Monday to FridaySonatech is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Job Posted by ApplicantPro
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About Sonatech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Barbara, CA, US

Year founded

1973

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