As Lockheed Martin's premier center of excellence for infrared (IR) technology, Santa Barbara Focalplane is a leader in designing and producing cutting-edge sensors that power some of the world's most advanced platforms. From advanced tactical fighters to high-orbit satellites, our sensors guide and inform critical operations across industries.
At Santa Barbara Focalplane, we're known for our pioneering spirit and groundbreaking innovations. We were the first IR house in the industry to develop a high-resolution IR sensor with the speed to capture a hummingbird frozen in flight. Today, the hummingbird symbolizes our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of IR technology and making the impossible possible.
Join our team and be part of a 30-year legacy of changing the way we see the world. We harness the power of waves of light to make the invisible visible and empower our customers to achieve their goals.
Product Lines
Santa Barbara Focalplane provides infrared subsystems for multiple Lockheed Martin products, including the F-22 Missile Launch Detector, the F-35 Lightning II Electro-Optical Targeting System, the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, the AH-1Z Target Sight System and others. We also provide IR solutions to other aerospace companies as well as advanced ground, aerial and space sensors to government labs and other customers.
At Santa Barbara Focalplane, seeing is believing. It is here that California dreams become reality, ideas flow like water and innovative approaches are not only encouraged… but expected.
Santa Barbara Focalplane was one of 11 MFC facilities selected as a recipient of the 2012 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence and quality achievement. It received the James S. Cogswell Award for Superior Industrial Security in 2014, the most prestigious honor in the industrial security field. And in 2015 its contributions to the community were recognized when the United Way of Santa Barbara County presented the site with its Community Impact Organization of the Year award.
Nestled in the southern region of Santa Barbara County, California, just eight miles west of Santa Barbara, lies the vibrant community of Goleta. With its idyllic location, you're never far from the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean, where you can paddleboard, surf, and even get up close with dolphins and sea lions. For those who prefer to explore on land, the surrounding mountains offer a range of hiking trails, while the Pacific Coast Route is a popular choice for casual bike rides. As the sun sets, catch a movie at the West Wind Drive-In Theater, hit the bowling lanes at Zodo's, or lace up your skates and glide across the rink at Ice in Paradise. Whatever your interests, Goleta offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
