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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Heico

Sr. EOIR Systems Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Senior Manager, EO/IR Systems Engineering Santa Barbara Infrared is hiring for the role of Senior ... We create highly-integrated, well-engineered, cost-effective hardware and software solutions to the ...

HEICO

Sr. EOIR Systems Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Senior Manager, EO/IR Systems Engineering Santa Barbara Infrared is hiring for the role of Senior ... We create highly-integrated, well-engineered, cost-effective hardware and software solutions to the ...

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 ... Familiarity with Systems Engineering concepts * Desire to grow into a Tech-Lead-Manager role, with ...

Shp

Backend Software Engineer

Goleta, CA

$123K - $170K/yr

Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) is a leader in analytics and performance management solutions ... the engineering team behind our healthcare analytics platform -- data ingestion and retrieval ...

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All JobsSoftware Engineering JobsSoftware Engineering Manager JobsSoftware Engineering Manager Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Software Engineering Manager information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$110.7K

$188.5K

$223.1K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Santa Barbara, CA is $188,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $192,500.00 and $192,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software engineering manager do?

A software engineering manager oversees a team of people who are working on the development of new computer software or the enhancement of existing computer programs. Because this is a management job, your duties may include coordinating and planning with other departments within the company and with company executives. In addition to management skills, you need a firm understanding of the technical aspects of software engineering. Another aspect of this career involves understanding the market and competitor’s products so that your software can compete and meet market demands.

What does a software engineering manager do?

A Software Engineering Manager oversees a team of software engineers, guiding the development of software projects from planning to implementation. They are responsible for managing the team's workflow, ensuring high-quality code, and meeting project deadlines. In addition to technical leadership, they also handle hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews. Their role bridges the gap between technical execution and business objectives, ensuring that software solutions align with strategic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineering manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in software development, team leadership, and project management, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development tools, agile methodologies, version control systems, and, in some cases, certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are valuable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding technical teams, delivering projects efficiently, and fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering culture.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineering managers when leading diverse development teams?

Software Engineering Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing technical leadership with people management, aligning team members with different backgrounds and skill sets, and ensuring effective communication across remote or cross-functional teams. Navigating these challenges involves fostering an inclusive environment, setting clear expectations, and adapting management styles to individual team members’ needs. Successful managers also prioritize regular check-ins and feedback to keep projects on track and support professional growth within the team.

What is the difference between Software Engineering Manager vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineering ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, and implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, and large enterprisesCommon in all software development settings
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesFocus on technical skills, coding tasks

The main difference between a Software Engineering Manager and a Software Developer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Managers oversee teams, coordinate projects, and handle strategic planning, while developers focus on coding and technical implementation. Both roles are essential in the software development lifecycle, but they serve different functions within an organization.

More about Software Engineering Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Software Engineering jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

For Software Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Software Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Software Engineering Manager job openings:

Software Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $188,467 per year, or $90.6 per hour.

Software Engineer - Maritime Autonomy (AUV/UUV)

GRVTY

Ventura, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and maintain software in C++ and C# for autonomous undersea vehicles and navigation technology.

  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to define software requirements, interfaces, and integrate software with hardware systems and testbeds.

  • Develop test plans, conduct testing, and support deployment activities for software systems.

Job description

What Impact You'll Have

GRVTY is seeking an experienced, motivated mid-level Software Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in Ventura, CA. This is an opportunity to develop and test systems for our groundbreaking Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) Family of Systems and advanced navigation technology. You will work alongside subsea domain experts to develop autonomy software for AUVs and advanced navigation products. 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

  • Design, implement, and maintain software in C++, C#
  • Collaborate with systems, electrical, mechanical, and test engineers to define software requirements and interfaces
  • Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis architecture, coding, testing, integration, and documentation
  • Generate fully operational and tested code from design documents
  • Ensure adherence to coding standards, cybersecurity practices, and configuration management processes
  • Assist in integrating software with hardware systems, simulators, or lab testbeds
  • Prepare technical documentation, including design descriptions, diagrams, interface control documents, and test plans
  • Support field tests, demos, or deployment activities when required
  • Lead/contributing author on reports/papers and presents work at meetings when appropriate
  • Develops test plans/procedures and conducts testing for new developments as well as regression testing for existing software systems

What You Must Have

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
  • Advanced experience in software engineering practices and principles as well as ability to apply them
  • Experience with autonomous systems software solutions
  • Experience with communication protocols: UART, SPI, I2C, RS-485, Ethernet, CAN bus
  • Advanced experience in commonly used software development tools
  • Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, CI/CD tools, and version control systems
  • 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
  • U.S. Citizenship 

What Would be Nice to Have

  • Experience with underwater vehicles, robotics, or maritime/defense systems
  • Experience with software configuration management tools
  • Active DoD clearance

Pay Range: At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors-such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications. We're proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

  • The pay range for this position is: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00

Apply