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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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Software Engineering Manager information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$102K

$173.6K

$205.5K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Santa Maria, CA is $173,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $177,300.00 and $177,300.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,622 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Cimarron is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to serve as the launch pad responsible engineer for the mechanical and hydraulic systems located in Vandenberg, CA. This position will serve as the subject matter expert for these systems in all aspects of operation, maintenance and sustainment. This position will validate and execute the performance of these systems during launch operations.

Key Duties: Own all aspects of the launch pad hydraulic systems used for the vehicle support strongback and the hold down release system. Serve as the subject matter expert for these systems during launch campaigns to validate system readiness and performance. Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams - including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel - to drive mechanical system upgrades, streamline operations, and validate system readiness and performance for launch campaigns.

Support safe movement of launch vehicles and payload segments at the launch complex including hoisting via crane and installation of the launch vehicle into the launch pad support structure. Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools to validate designs and provide engineering dispositions for in-service hardware. Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non-conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations.

Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day red team activities. Write procedures for system activation, operation, maintenance, and vehicle handling operations. Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions.

Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements. Provide technical write-ups for proposals and tailoring of regulations. Direct the work of Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members.

Write work instructions and supervise the execution of field work in service of the launch pad mechanical systems.Required Skills, Experience, and Education: Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time. 6 or more years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations

Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex mechanical or structural systems. Proficient knowledge of hydraulic systems design, operation and maintenance. Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data.

Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.) Knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining and assembly practices. Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment. Ability to self-motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance

Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements. Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences. Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials.

Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed). Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc. Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline. Desired Skills, Experience, and Education: Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline. Experience with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP, Siemens NX Nastran) and ability to verify results with hand calculations

Extensive and demonstrated experience designing, operating, and maintaining hydromechanical systems, including hydraulic power units, cylinders, pumps, and valves. Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools. Demonstrated experience with standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)

Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC). Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, etc.). Ability to obtain a security clearance

Business Profile: Cimarron is a global solutions company with a strategic partnering approach to satisfying customer-driven requirements. We ensure customer success with a modern approach and experienced leadership. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cimarron is fueled by highly skilled employees, developing new innovative technologies, and delivering superior products and services.

We believe in recognizing employees' worth by offering competitive salaries and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contributions, educational reimbursement, and much more. From company communication through Company-wide information meetings led by our President and CEO, to an Awards program designed to recognize our amazing employees and their accomplishments, you will not only feel like you are a part of a team, you will be a valued member of the Cimarron family. Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.Required Skills, Experience, and Education: Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time. 6 or more years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations

Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex mechanical or structural systems. Proficient knowledge of hydraulic systems design, operation and maintenance. Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data.

Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.) Knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining and assembly practices. Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure fast-paced environment. Ability to self-motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance

Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements. Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences. Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials.

Willingness to support off-hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed). Demonstrated project management experience, including vendor management, ability to communicate with senior leaders, development of budgets and schedules, etc. Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline. Desired Skills, Experience, and Education: Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline. Experience with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP, Siemens NX Nastran) and ability to verify results with hand calculations

Extensive and demonstrated experience designing, operating, and maintaining hydromechanical systems, including hydraulic power units, cylinders, pumps, and valves. Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools. Demonstrated experience with standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, GSFC-STD-8009, etc.)

Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC). Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, etc.). Ability to obtain a security clearance

Business Profile: Cimarron is a global solutions company with a strategic partnering approach to satisfying customer-driven requirements. We ensure customer success with a modern approach and experienced leadership. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cimarron is fueled by highly skilled employees, developing new innovative technologies, and delivering superior products and services.

We believe in recognizing employees' worth by offering competitive salaries and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contributions, educational reimbursement, and much more. From company communication through Company-wide information meetings led by our President and CEO, to an Awards program designed to recognize our amazing employees and their accomplishments, you will not only feel like you are a part of a team, you will be a valued member of the Cimarron family. Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.