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Analytical Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lonza

Senior Instrumentation Technician

Vacaville, CA

$63K - $101K/yr

High School Diploma. * 5-6 years of relevant experience. * 4 years in manufacturing process instrumentation, control systems, or analytical instrumentation preferred. * Strong understanding of ...

Lonza

Senior Instrumentation Technician

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$63K - $101K/yr

High School Diploma. * 5-6 years of relevant experience. * 4 years in manufacturing process instrumentation, control systems, or analytical instrumentation preferred. * Strong understanding of ...

LGM Pharma, LLC

QC CHEMIST III

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation. * Perform and document laboratory investigations, as necessary. * Peer review data generated by other chemists and technicians. * Develop ...

Picarro, Inc

Head of Service

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... analytical instrumentation, software-enabled solutions, and enterprise deployments. The Head of Service will play a critical role in driving customer satisfaction, operational excellence, service ...

Picarro, Inc

Head of Service

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... analytical instrumentation, software-enabled solutions, and enterprise deployments. The Head of Service will play a critical role in driving customer satisfaction, operational excellence, service ...

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Analytical Instrumentation information

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$13

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$35

How much do analytical instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for analytical instrumentation in California is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in analytical instrumentation roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in analytical instrumentation often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring precise calibration for accurate results. Managing these challenges typically involves ongoing training, collaboration with technical support teams, and following strict maintenance protocols. Engaging in regular professional development and networking with peers can also help stay ahead of industry advancements and best practices.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Instrumentation professionals, including those in analytical instrumentation, are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental testing. Skills in calibration, troubleshooting, and familiarity with tools like chromatography and spectrometry increase employability in this field.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of analytical instrumentation, senior roles such as Lead Instrumentation Engineer, Director of Instrumentation, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and management responsibilities. These positions often require advanced technical skills, project management, and industry expertise, typically found in large corporations or specialized consulting firms.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of analytical instrumentation, senior roles such as director of instrumentation, chief scientific officer, or specialized consultants in high-demand industries can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve managing complex projects, developing new technologies, or overseeing large teams in research, manufacturing, or biotech environments.

What is the difference between Analytical Instrumentation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAnalytical InstrumentationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields; certifications in instrumentation are commonUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentSpecialized labs with focus on instrument calibration, maintenance, and data analysisGeneral laboratory settings performing tests, sample preparation, and data recording
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, and manufacturing for precise measurementsCommon in healthcare, research, and quality control labs for routine testing

Analytical Instrumentation specialists focus on operating, maintaining, and calibrating complex analytical instruments, often requiring specialized certifications and advanced degrees. Laboratory Technicians perform routine lab tasks, supporting testing and data collection. While both roles work in laboratory environments, Analytical Instrumentation roles demand more technical expertise with instrumentation systems.

What is analytical instrumentation?

Analytical instrumentation refers to the use of specialized devices and tools to measure, analyze, and quantify chemical, physical, or biological properties of samples. Professionals in this field operate instruments such as spectrometers, chromatographs, and microscopes, often requiring technical skills and knowledge of calibration and data interpretation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Analytical Instrumentation, and why are they important?

Success in Analytical Instrumentation requires a solid background in chemistry, physics, or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with laboratory techniques. Familiarity with instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, spectroscopy systems, and software for data analysis is essential, and certifications like ASCP or specific instrument training can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help professionals excel in troubleshooting and optimizing instrument performance. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate data generation, reliable analysis, and maintaining high laboratory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Analytical Instrumentation jobs in California? For Analytical Instrumentation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Analytical Instrumentation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Analytical Instrumentation jobs in California are:
Analytical Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Analytical Instrumentation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,872 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation Technician

Lonza

Vacaville, CA

$63K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Lonza rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Location: Vacaville, California (On-site)

This is a fully sitebased role. Working together in person supports close, realtime collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

The primary responsibility of Instrument Services is to maximize equipment availability for processing by safely maintaining equipment and instrumentation through Calibration,

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance. In support of these activities, Instrument Services provides personnel 24/hours/day, 7 days per week for calibration, maintenance, discrepancy response, contractor oversight, vendor resource management, project support and training. Every technician is fully trained to support manufacturing, labs, and utility operations.

What you will get

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $63,000 and $101,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

  • Performance-related bonus

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • 401(k) matching plan

  • Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

  • Employee assistance programs

  • Paid Time Off

Shifts: Night shifts - 6:00pm to 6:30am OR Day Shift: 6:00am - 6:30pm

What you will do

  • Program and configure microprocessor-based equipment, including PLCs, DCS, and smart devices, while maintaining detail-oriented documentation to ensure Right-First-Time operations.

  • Install, troubleshoot, and modify process control systems, laboratory instrumentation, and support utilities in compliance with cGMP and SOP standards.

  • Execute work orders and tasks safely and timely, ensuring all field work and shop equipment operations meet applicable safety guidelines and policies.

  • Navigate corporate intranets and specialized software such as CMMS/CCMS to document technical data, manage work orders, and organize manufacturer specifications.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams to support system start-ups, validations, and the identification of critical spare parts.

  • Interpret complex Piping and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs) to support the precise maintenance and modification of integrated plant systems.

  • Evaluate and red-line Standard Operating Procedures to improve content accuracy while training fellow technicians in both group and individual settings.

What we are looking for

  • High School Diploma.

  • 5-6 years of relevant experience.

  • 4 years in manufacturing process instrumentation, control systems, or analytical instrumentation preferred.

  • Strong understanding of industrial process instrumentation principles and systems.

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with reasonable accommodations.

  • Valid driver's license.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that's the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.

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