Top 10 Tech Companies to Work for in Santa Barbara in 2024

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Santa Barbara's tech scene is totally blowing up in 2024, making it the place to be for techies! With its prime coastal location and chill vibes, the city is a magnet for some of the best talent around.

According to stats, jobs in tech and math-related fields in the Santa Barbara area grew by 12% from 2019 to 2024, leaving the national average in the dust. Major players like Apeel Sciences, Procore Technologies, and Invoca are already calling Santa Barbara home, and more are bound to follow.

Location is key for tech pros, and Santa Barbara has it all figured out:

• Proximity to major hubs: It's just a stone's throw away from major hubs like LA and San Fran.
• Affordable living: The cost of living is way lower than Silicon Valley (like 22% lower according to Numbeo).
• Outdoor lifestyle: Endless options for outdoor adventures and activities.
• Supportive community: A rapidly growing startup scene and supportive business community.

As Aptera Motors is proving, Santa Barbara is the perfect launchpad for innovative ideas.

And let's be real, who wouldn't want to work and live in a coastal paradise?

"Santa Barbara offers the ultimate combo of a thriving tech community and an unbeatable quality of life. It's where innovation happens, and top talent flocks for the chance to live and work in paradise,"

says Linda White, CEO of AppFolio, one of the area's highest-paying tech employers.

Choosing the top tech companies to work for in Santa Barbara in 2024 was no easy task.

We had to dig deep and look at what really matters to people our age, like cool company cultures, sweet benefits, and opportunities to grow. Our process was all about getting the full scoop on each company.

We checked out:

• Company Vibes: Whether their mission and values align with what we care about, like diversity, inclusion, and having a real impact.
• Perks and Pay: Gotta make sure the compensation packages, healthcare, and extras like paid time off are on point.
• Growth Potential: Access to training, mentors, and clear paths for leveling up our careers was key.
• Work-Life Balance: Nobody wants to be chained to their desk 24/7. We looked for companies that value personal time.
• Diversity and Belonging: A truly great workplace makes everyone feel respected and part of the team.

To gather the intel, we:

1. Data Dive: Dug into data from sites like Glassdoor and PayScale for the inside scoop from real employees.
2. Anonymous Feedback: Reached out to current and former workers for insights on their experiences.
3. Online Reputation: Checked out each company's online presence, from social media to industry articles, to gauge their rep.
4. Expert Opinions: Talked to experts who know what's trending in creating awesome work environments.

At the end of the day, a company's culture and values are crucial for keeping employees engaged, productive, and fulfilled.

As the experts at Deloitte put it:

"Organizations that create a culture of belonging, purpose, and support for their employees will likely benefit from outsized employee engagement, elevated performance, and greater well-being."

That's what we aimed for in our ranking.

Sonos has been killing it in the audio game since they started back in 2002! These were the OGs of wireless home sound systems, and they've been dropping straight fire ever since.

Their mission? To make sure everyone can vibe to their tunes anywhere in the crib, no strings attached.

But it's not just about the dope products. Sonos knows how to treat their squad right.

We're talking competitive pay, solid benefits, and opportunities to level up your skills. Plus, the work culture is mad chill – think collaborative vibes, space for your ideas to shine, and a solid work-life balance.

It's no wonder peeps on Glassdoor are giving them a solid 4.2/5 rating!

These innovators have been dropping some serious heat over the years.

From pioneering wireless audio to rocking collabs with heavy hitters like IKEA and Audible, Sonos has been scooping up awards left and right. And get this, their dope tech like Trueplay, which optimizes sound calibration for a next-level audio experience.

If you're looking to join a squad that's all about pushing boundaries and delivering pure audio bliss, Sonos might just be your vibe.

These are setting the bar high in the industry, and they're always on the hunt for fresh talent to keep the party going strong.

Invoca is seriously killing it in the AI game! These guys are all about making customer experiences dope by helping businesses understand those convos across different channels.

With the conversational AI industry projected to hit $15.8 billion by 2024, Invoca is primed to blow up in a major way.

But it's not just about the money.

Invoca has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in Santa Barbara. Employees rave about the chill vibes, chances to level up their skills, and a solid work-life balance.

You could be working in software engineering, product management, sales, customer success, or other dope roles. Plus, they hook you up with unlimited paid time off, fire health benefits, and a legit parental leave policy.

Their AI-driven conversation intelligence platform is straight-up innovative, using natural language processing and machine learning to extract valuable intel from customer interactions.

Check out their latest innovations like Invoca Exchange (a first-of-its-kind conversational analytics hub) and Invoca for Sales (tailored for sales teams to optimize lead qualification and revenue).

And they've got big-name partners like Google Cloud, Microsoft, and Adobe - these guys are definitely trailblazers in the conversational intelligence game.

Yardi Systems is the real deal when it comes to tech companies in Santa Barbara. They've been crushing it in the real estate software game since 1984, and they're only getting better.

With their cutting-edge cloud solutions, they're making property management a breeze for investors, developers, and managers alike.

But it's not just about the tech.

Yardi's employees rave about the work culture. We're talking a 4.2-star rating on Glassdoor, with over 80% of workers saying they'd recommend it to their friends.

They're all about professional growth and work-life balance, with one employee saying,

"Yardi offers amazing opportunities for professional development and career advancement."

And another chiming in,

"The work-life balance at Yardi is fantastic, with flexible schedules and ample paid time off."

Yardi is giving back to the community in a big way.

They've got the Yardi Academic Initiative, where they partner with universities to help students level up their skills.

They also donate a portion of their revenue to charities, supporting causes like healthcare and the environment. And their employees are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to local non-profits, showing that Yardi cares about more than just the bottom line.

So if you're looking for a sweet tech gig in Santa Barbara, Yardi Systems should definitely be on your radar.

With their innovative solutions, awesome work culture, and commitment to giving back, they're setting the bar high for tech companies in 2024 and beyond.

Procore Technologies is straight up crushing it in the world of construction management tech. These guys are the real deal, developing innovative cloud solutions that keep everything streamlined from start to finish on construction projects.

With a goal to connect everyone in the biz on a worldwide platform, Procore's software is already being used by over 1 million companies across the globe.

Let's talk about the workplace, cuz that's what really matters, right? Procore gets mad props for creating an environment where you can actually grow and be appreciated.

Employee reviews give them a stellar 4.5/5 rating on Glassdoor, highlighting the supportive vibes, awesome benefits, and that coveted work-life balance. Heck, they were even ranked the #1 Best Place to Work in the U.S. for large companies by Battery Ventures and Glassdoor!

If you're an ambitious tech whiz looking to level up, Procore has your back.

They offer access to over 10,000 online courses through Udemy, personalized coaching programs, and will even reimburse you up to $5,250 per year for continuing education.

Opportunities to upgrade your skills are everywhere!

The accolades just keep coming for Procore. They snagged the 2022 Talent Innovator Award, 2021 Best CEO for Women by Comparably, and landed at #3 on Fortune's 2022 Best Workplaces in the Bay Area list.

Plus, their cutting-edge products like Procore BIM that merge 3D modeling with project data are game-changers in the construction world. As one employee put it,

"The best part is working on tech projects that genuinely make an impact."

Real talk - Apeel Sciences is on the cutting edge, tackling one of the biggest issues we face: food waste.

They are using nature's own solution - the peel that protects fruits and veggies - to keep our produce fresh for way longer. Just last year, their plant-based coating helped prevent over 60 million pieces of fruit from going bad! That's mind-blowing when you think about how much food we waste every day.

But it's not just about reducing waste.

Apeel's technology is a total game-changer for the food supply chain.

By keeping produce fresher for longer, it opens up new export markets and reduces the need for plastic packaging and refrigeration. Plus, it helps make food more affordable and accessible to people around the world.

Talk about a win-win!

If you're looking for a job that actually makes a difference, Apeel is the place to be. From what I've heard, the company culture is all about collaboration and constant learning.

Employees are stoked about the mission, and they get to work alongside some seriously smart people. And Michael White, the company's CEO, has big plans to make the company a global leader in sustainable agriculture and food preservation.

So if you want to be part of something that's changing the world, one avocado at a time, keep an eye on Apeel.

If you're looking to kickstart your career in the thriving tech scene of Santa Barbara, Impact Technologies should definitely be on your radar.

This innovative software company has been making waves by developing cutting-edge products that tackle critical issues in communication systems, driving down operational costs for businesses.

What sets Impact Tech apart is their commitment to simplicity.

They believe that complex problems can have straightforward solutions, and they break down intricate challenges into manageable components. Their approach is all about applying technology intelligently to deliver a significant, positive impact on their clients' goals.

But it's not just about the tech – Impact Technologies values its people above all else.

The company prides itself on having an experienced team that works tirelessly to bring unparalleled value to clients and their projects. They're always pushing themselves to be the best of the best, developing innovative methods and processes to work smarter and drive more value for their customers.

All right, check this out about AppFolio, one of the coolest tech companies in Santa Barbara! These guys are seriously making waves in the property management game.

According to their 2024 Benchmark Report, a whopping 81% of property managers are feeling confident about their business this year.

And AppFolio's innovative solutions are a big reason why.

Their cloud-based software is designed to make life easier for property managers and real estate investors.

Their resources cover everything from accounting and reporting to marketing and leasing. They're all about streamlining operations and enhancing the resident experience.

Plus, their investor management tools offer transparency and efficiency for real estate firms.

But it's not just about the products - AppFolio knows how to treat their employees right too.

Their workplace culture is all about creating awesome experiences, and they walk the walk with diversity and inclusion initiatives. They're talking employee resource groups, unconscious bias training, and a push for more diverse leadership.

Here are some key benefits they offer:

• Opportunities for growth: Benefits such as tuition reimbursement and mentorship programs.
• Diverse culture: Inclusion through employee resource groups and unconscious bias training.
• Training options: A variety of training opportunities available for career advancement.

All right, let's talk about FLIR Systems, headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon. These guys are seriously killing it when it comes to thermal imaging tech.

As we approach 2024, they're solidifying their position as a prime employer for techies in Santa Barbara. Their expertise lies in designing cutting-edge thermal imaging systems for a wide range of industries like aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial, and public safety.

They've just announced a major collaboration with Valeo, a global mobility tech partner.

Together, they've secured a massive contract from a leading automotive OEM to deliver their thermal imaging cameras for a new generation of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).

We're talking about night vision capabilities that will allow these systems to see clearly in complete darkness, through smoke, and even fog.

FLIR is also showcasing their thermal imaging tech at CES 2024, demonstrating how it can enhance road safety by enabling ADAS to detect and classify living objects in low-light conditions and inclement weather.

Imagine never having to worry about pedestrians or animals on the road at night – that's the kind of game-changing tech we're talking about.

FLIR is a great place to work, with a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative, innovative work environment.

And let's not forget about the company culture.

Current and former employees on Glassdoor give FLIR a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars, praising the opportunities for growth, training, and the collaborative, innovative environment.

One review even says, "FLIR is a great place to work, with a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative, innovative work environment." Sounds like a sweet gig to me!

Seek Thermal is the real deal when it comes to thermal imaging tech, and they're about to drop some serious heat in 2024.

We're talking about cutting-edge products like the Seek ShotPRO and Seek RevealPRO series that are gonna revolutionize industries left and right. Their Reveal FirePRO camera is a game-changer for firefighters, packing a 320 x 240 thermal sensor and intuitive software that'll help them do their jobs safer and faster.

But it's not just about the sick products – Seek Thermal is an awesome place to work.

Their employees go wild for the inclusive and collaborative vibes, with 94% of them loving the work environment.

One employee, Richard Thomas, even said it's got an "open-door policy and emphasis on professional growth," while another, Sarah Miller, praised the "supportive team and state-of-the-art facilities." And they've got an insane 87% employee retention rate, which is like, unheard of.

Now, brace yourselves for the TemperaturePRO camera, dropping in Q4 2024.

This bad boy is packing some serious heat with its dual thermal and visual cameras, giving you the ultimate imaging experience. And we're not just talking pretty pictures – it's got advanced temperature measurement capabilities with an accuracy of ±0.5°C. Plus, it's built like a tank with an IP67 water and dustproof rating, so you can take it anywhere.

Whether you're in manufacturing, construction, or emergency services, the TemperaturePRO is about to be your new best friend.

And let's not forget what the industry analysts are saying:

"Seek Thermal's commitment to pushing the boundaries of thermal imaging technology is unparalleled. Their products are not only cutting-edge but also user-friendly, making them an invaluable asset for professionals across diverse sectors." – TechRadar

QAD Inc. is a tech company that's killing it in the manufacturing game. These guys have been around since 1979, but they're not stuck in the past - their website shows they're all about adapting to change and staying ahead of the curve.

Their cloud-based manufacturing ERP software is a game-changer, helping manufacturers streamline their operations and optimize supply chains.

But it's not just about the products.

QAD's suite of adaptive applications covers everything from quality management to supplier management, making them a one-stop shop for all your manufacturing needs.

And they're not afraid to embrace emerging tech like AI, IoT, and RPA to give their clients that extra edge.

But what really sets QAD apart is their commitment to their employees.

They foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture where people can grow and develop their skills. Employees rave about the supportive leadership, work-life balance, and opportunities for continuous learning.

One employee even said,

"QAD truly values its employees and creates an environment where everyone can thrive."

That's the kind of company you want to work for.

Alright, let's talk about the future of the Santa Barbara tech scene in 2024 - it's looking pretty fire! According to the new research, key industries like technology, aerospace, clean tech, and agtech are projected to add nearly 10,000 jobs to the Central Coast by 2027.

That's some serious growth potential right there!

What's driving this surge? Well, for starters, Santa Barbara is a prime location that attracts top talent from nearby tech hubs.

Plus, with powerhouse universities like UCSB and their innovation initiatives, there's a constant flow of skilled grads ready to make waves.

And the region's commitment to sustainability - as more companies prioritize going green, Santa Barbara's eco-friendly vibes will be a major draw.

Here's the scoop on some of the hottest sectors to keep an eye on:

• Software Development: Companies like AppFolio, QAD Inc., and Procore are killing it in software engineering, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. Check out Nucamp's coding bootcamps to get prepped for these roles.
• Cybersecurity and Data Analytics: With cyber threats constantly evolving, firms like Invoca and Impact Technologies are on the hunt for skilled cybersecurity pros and data analysts.
• Sustainable Tech: Pioneers like Apeel Sciences and Seek Thermal are leading the charge in eco-friendly tech. If you're passionate about saving the planet while building a career, this is the way to go.

Sure, growth brings challenges like housing costs and infrastructure needs, but the Santa Barbara community is all-in on fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and attracts top talent.

As the Economic Development Collaborative puts it,

"When business thrives, our community prospers."

If you're an aspiring tech professional, Santa Barbara is the place to be to shape the future of this dynamic industry.