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Senior R&D Software Developer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Senior Flight Software C++ Engineer

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $235K/yr

Toyon is seeking a passionate and talented Senior Flight Software C++ Engineer to join our growing team developing cutting-edge aerospace flight systems and diagnostic tools. This role is critical to ...

Senior Flight Software Engineer (Rust)

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

About the Job We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer, with expertise in the Rust programming language, to take an active role in the development and delivery of embedded flight software ...

New

Senior Flight Software Engineer (Rust)

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

About the Job We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer, with expertise in the Rust programming language, to take an active role in the development and delivery of embedded flight software ...

New

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

About the Job We are looking for a Senior Ground Software Engineer to join the Ground Software team ... Establish and adhere to DevOps practices that ensure that customer and satellite-operational needs ...

Software Engineer

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The experienced software engineer will design, develop, and perform analysis utilizing GIS tools ... This position is an opportunity to work on a development team with senior staff members guiding ...

The Software Engineer I will contribute to new product development and sustaining engineering ... Desire to learn from senior engineers and continuously improve technical capabilities. * Ability to ...

Software Engineer

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The experienced software engineer will design, develop, and perform analysis utilizing GIS tools ... This position is an opportunity to work on a development team with senior staff members guiding ...

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Senior R D Software Developer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$17

$68

$97

How much do senior r&d software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior r&d software developer in Santa Barbara, CA is $68.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.32 and $77.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior R&D Software Developers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like AI or cybersecurity, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of innovation and leadership.

Is L5 at Google Senior?

At Google, L5 is typically considered a mid-level software engineering role, often referred to as a Software Engineer II. It is generally not classified as a senior position, which usually starts at L6 or higher, depending on the team and responsibilities. L5 engineers are expected to have solid technical skills and contribute to projects under guidance, with senior roles involving more leadership and mentorship responsibilities.

What is the difference between Senior R&D Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSenior R&D Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field; experience in R&DBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, innovation teamsDevelopment teams, product-focused environments
Industry UsageTech, manufacturing, research institutionsTech companies, startups, software firms
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for R&D roles and advanced developmentMore general software development roles

The main difference is that a Senior R&D Software Developer focuses on innovative research, prototyping, and developing new technologies within R&D environments, often requiring specialized knowledge and experience. In contrast, a Software Engineer typically works on building, testing, and maintaining software products in production environments. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the Senior R&D role emphasizes research and experimentation.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior R&D Software Developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like AI or cybersecurity, and leadership responsibilities can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in high-growth tech companies or startups. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, a strong track record, and working in competitive, high-demand environments.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

A Senior R&D Software Developer role can be stressful due to tight deadlines, complex problem-solving, and the need for innovation. The environment often requires adaptability, technical expertise, and continuous learning to meet project goals and stay competitive.
What are popular job titles related to Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA? For Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Senior R&D Software Developer jobs? Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Senior R&D Software Developer job openings:

Senior Flight Software C++ Engineer

Toyon

Goleta, CA โ€ข On-site

$145K - $235K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description

U.S. Citizenship is Required. Ability to qualify for a US Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance required. Candidate must be SAP program eligible.
ย 

This position is in person.


Toyon is seeking a passionate and talented Senior Flight Software C++ Engineer to join our growing team developing cutting-edge aerospace flight systems and diagnostic tools. This role is critical to research and development of new flight systems, from requirements definition to prototype hardware test and delivery.


Responsibilities

  • Own customer success through the design and delivery of a multi-year, multi-stakeholder software roadmap that spans across multiple teams
  • Leverage internal product and program-specific engineering teams to rapidly deliver capability beyond the scope of current platforms, with a clear path for both architecture and capability evolution over time
  • Partner with external teams, collaborating on interfacing requirements between diverse systems and technologies
  • Lead a small team that architects, designs and implements trusted, safety critical Flight Software that balances constraints, restrictions and requirements in a multi-stakeholder environment
  • Architect, design and implement scalable vehicle sub-systems including sensor processing, state estimation, contingency management, actuation, payload interfaces, and mission systems interfaces
  • Act as a subject matter expert for software engineering, representing software equities in a multistakeholder environment including engineering, business and sales leadership.
  • Drive the design and implementation of development processes for the initial delivery and subsequent iteration of software, including full lifecycle testing
  • Drive the creation of test and simulation fixtures that operate with both software- and hardware-in-the-loop
  • Support vehicle manufacturing and deployment
  • Lead teams of multi-disciplinary engineers, including as a mentor for Senior Software Engineers from differing backgrounds

Requirements

  • B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience developing software for embedded systems and/or real-time applications
  • Experience in a leadership position within a high performing technology organization
  • Proven ability to write clean, well-documented, and sustainable code
  • Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming for embedded applications
  • Knowledge of build system development and best practices
  • Experience in scripting languages such as Python for automation tasks
  • Demonstrated ability to use version control systems such as Git
  • Understanding of software design principles and best practices
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to develop software independently and as part of a team
  • Capacity to act as the technical owner for an entire software system, including stakeholder engagement, requirements definition, roadmap management, team co-ordination, design, implementation, sustainment and evolution
  • Capacity to learn and grow individually, while mentoring junior team members effectively, contributing to team cohesion and capacity.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Preferred

  • Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience developing software for embedded systems and/or real-time applications
  • Demonstrated experience with software/firmware Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
  • Demonstrated experience implementing DO-178C standards for aerospace avionics or MISRA equivalents
  • Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software for parallel systems
  • Familiarity with common physical and data link layers (e.g. RS-485, CAN bus, Ethernet, SPI)
  • Proficiency writing HDL for FPGAs
  • Knowledge of analog and digital circuit and PCB design
  • Strong understanding of statistics and data analysis
  • Demonstrated experience using Monte Carlo methods for system-level analysis
  • Experience with guidance, navigation, and control
  • Familiarity with Systems Engineering concepts
  • Desire to grow into a Tech-Lead-Manager role, with responsibility for line management of engineers, in addition to delivery
  • Existing TS clearance

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 ย 
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Discretionary Bonus Eligibility

The annual pay range for the Senior Flight Software C++ Engineer position is $145,000 to $235,000.


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.ย 


Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veterans ย ย 


Applicant Privacy Noticeย 


Learn more about our company in our latest video, We are Toyon.ย 


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


Ref #2648-H