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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

About the Team Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit ... As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software ...

Umbra

Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

About the Team Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit ... As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software ...

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All JobsSystems Engineering JobsSystems Engineering Manager JobsSystems Engineering Manager Jobs in Goleta, CA

Systems Engineering Manager information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$65.3K

$153.3K

$211.5K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in Goleta, CA is $153,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,000.00 and $186,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in systems engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as SysML), requirements management software, and relevant industry certifications like INCOSE CSEP are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure project success, technical excellence, and seamless integration of complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Systems Engineering Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Systems Engineering Managers often navigate challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing technical leadership with project management duties. They may also face difficulties in aligning system requirements with organizational goals and managing resource constraints. To address these, effective managers foster open communication, implement structured processes for requirement management, and prioritize continuous training for their teams. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting a culture of collaboration can also help overcome these challenges.

What does a Systems Engineering Manager do?

A Systems Engineering Manager oversees a team of engineers responsible for designing, integrating, and maintaining complex systems within an organization. They coordinate project activities, ensure technical requirements are met, and manage resources to deliver efficient solutions. Additionally, they serve as a liaison between engineering teams and other departments, helping to translate business needs into technical specifications. Their role often involves mentoring staff, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering Manager vs Systems Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineering ManagerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering, relevant technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees system developmentDesigns, develops, tests systems, works on technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing companiesCommon in similar industries, often as technical staff
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesTechnical skills, system design, implementation

The main difference between a Systems Engineering Manager and a Systems Engineer lies in their roles and responsibilities. The manager oversees teams and projects, focusing on leadership and strategic planning, while the engineer concentrates on technical system development and implementation. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and are vital in industries like aerospace, defense, and technology.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Goleta, CA? For Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Goleta, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:
Systems Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in Goleta, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,288 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Sr. EOIR Systems Engineering Manager

Sr. EOIR Systems Engineering Manager

Heico

Santa Barbara, CA

$195K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Senior Manager, EO/IR Systems Engineering

Santa Barbara Infrared is hiring for the role of Senior Manager, EO/IR Systems Engineering!

The EO/IR Systems Engineering Senior Manager's primary responsibilities will be to define, design, and analyze electro-optical test systems as part of SBIR's core product development (Infrared Scene Projectors, Standard Commercial Products, and Integrated Electro-Optical Test Systems), while leading a team of talented Systems Engineers. This position, reporting directly to SBIR's Chief Technology Officer, will also support product integration, characterization, and verification and validation.

Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR), is a successful, fast-paced subsidiary of HEICO Corporation (NYSE: HEI, HEI.A). For more than 60 years, HEICO has thrived by serving segments of the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries by providing innovative and cost-saving test solutions, products, and services. Forbes Magazine has previously ranked HEICO as one of the 200 "Best Small Companies" and 200 "Hot Shot Stocks".

Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. designs and manufactures the most technologically advanced Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) test instrumentation in the world. SBIR's broad line of innovative products supports the testing of military, commercial, and research sensor systems for world-wide use in laboratory, production, depot, and field test applications. SBIR's products include cutting-edge MEMS technology, optical imaging systems, focal planes, and lasers with supporting mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software subsystems to enable them.

SBIR's high-energy, dynamic culture focuses on our team members providing quality products and services to our customers. We create highly-integrated, well-engineered, cost-effective hardware and software solutions to the EO/IR community. In doing so, SBIR has become the preferred supplier to major domestic and international manufacturers of commercial and military EO/IR sensors and systems, and our EO/IR Systems Engineering Senior Manager will play a leading role in continuing and growing that heritage.

$195,000/yr. - $250,000/yr. - DOE

Required

  • Hands-on experience with EO/IR system development and hardware sell-off in production environment
  • Experience with requirements/specification development, management of RVTMs
  • Experience with two of the following three product lifecycle areas for active or passive remote sensing systems:
    • System design, including: System architecture definition, internal and external interface definition and management, concept development and trade studies, and detailed design
    • System analysis, including: Image and signal processing, STOp and tolerancing analysis, optical performance/radiometric analysis and budgeting
    • System integration and test, including: Definition of system integration and test plans, development of test procedures, optical alignment, optical system characterization, sensor characterization
  • Ability to communicate fundamental concepts of EO/IR systems internally and to customers through presentations and oral communication, and written documentation
  • Ability to mentor up-and-coming junior Systems Engineering staff
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or other STEM field and 13 years of experience; Master's degree and 10 years of experience; or PhD and 5 years of experience.

Preferred

  • Experience with functional management of a team of 5 or more engineers
  • Experience with detailed opto-mechanical system design and analysis, including drawing generation and review
  • Experience with optical components and materials, including mirrors and lenses
  • Experience developing procurement specifications for, and providing technical management of, optical vendors and subcontractors
  • Familiarity or experience with US Department of Defense acquisition processes
  • Familiarity or experience with project or program management practices, including a certification from the Project Management Institute

Due to US Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates MUST be a US citizen, permanent resident or a person who has been granted asylum; proper documentation required. Pre-employment verifications: must pass background, reference and ITAR/EAR checks in addition to a pre-employment drug screen.
This position offers many benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, HSA, FSA, alternate work week schedule, LTD, life insurance and much more.

EOE

Male/Female/Veteran/Disabled

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