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

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer provides technical and analytical work to develop, design, and/or support software solutions across multiple U.S. defense industries. Duties include participating in ...

Beyond SOF

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Onsite Role 9/80 schedule $125,000-$180,000 + Bonus + Full Benefits + SIGNING BONUS / PAID RELOCATION We are looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Design, code, debug ...

Toyon

Senior Flight Software C++ Engineer

Goleta, CA · 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 ...

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All JobsR&D Software Developer JobsSenior R&D Software Developer JobsSenior R&D Software Developer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

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 Aug 8, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA 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 R D Software Developer jobs near you

Jr Embedded Software Developer with Security Clearance

GRVTY

Ventura, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is seeking a passionate Junior Embedded Software Engineer to join our growing software team in Ventura, CA. This is an opportunity to develop and test autonomy software for our groundbreaking Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) Family of Systems and advanced guidance, navigation, and controls (GNC) technology. The embedded software that runs inside our vehicles is mission-critical - operating autonomously for very long periods without the ability for operator intervention. Our software team designs and maintains the low-level software layers that interface directly with vehicle hardware, sensors, control surfaces, propulsion and communication systems, forming the foundation on which our autonomy and GNC stacks depend. You will join a team of dedicated engineers and scientists who are pushing the boundaries of maritime technology to deliver exceptional products and capabilities. What You'll be Owning * Develop and maintain embedded C/C++ code operating under RTOS for AUV subsystems including propulsion, control surfaces, sensors, and others * Implement and integrate device drivers for sensors and communication peripherals (i.e., DVL, IMU, GPS, USBL, etc.) * Develop serial, Ethernet and UDP/TCP socket-based interfaces for communications within the AUV architecture * Lead hardware-in-the-loop and system level testing * Support integration of vehicle software with external operator interfaces and topside control systems * Support in-water vehicle test events; collect and analyze embedded system logs and telemetry to diagnose field anomalies * Assist in documenting and maintaining software interface control documents (ICDs) for internal and external interfaces * Provide appropriate documentation for generated code * Follow safe coding practices appropriate for safety-critical embedded systems * Technical Lead for projects as appropriate * Provide mentoring for interns * Lead/contributing author on reports/papers and presents work at meetings when appropriate What You Must Have * US Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or closely related field. * 0-4 years of professional experience in embedded software or firmware development (internships, co-ops, and senior capstone projects count) * Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded or systems programming * Familiarity with microcontroller or embedded processor development environments (bare-metal or RTOS-based) * Working knowledge of at least two serial communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, RS-485, or similar) * Experience with debugging tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers * Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail; comfortable reading hardware datasheets and schematics * Ability to write clear, grammatically correct documents with logical structure and deep technical content * Demonstrates excellence in technical discussions with internal and external collaborators * Displays professionalism both in the workplace and in customer interactions What Would be Nice to Have * Experience with RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks, or similar * Academic or project experience with underwater vehicles, robotics, or maritime/defense systems * Familiarity with communication protocols: UART, SPI, I2C, RS-485, Ethernet, CAN bus * Experience with software configuration management tools

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