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Chemical Engineering Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sanmina

Part Lab Technician (Grave)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

... Chemical Engineering, materials science background preferred Willing to consider a combination of education and experience. Familiar with PCB and PCBA products Candidate must be able to work ...

Bedrock

Chemical Technician

Brawley, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

... engineers and technicians to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the operating facility ... One year if the lab experience is in a plant environment or two years working as a plant operator.

Apple

Sr. Engineering Technician

Cupertino, CA

$45.46 - $80.76/hr

You'll partner closely with engineers and lab management to keep our lab spaces running smoothly ... basic chemical hazards (adhesives, solvents, epoxy, etc.) Minimum Qualifications 5+ years ...

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Chemical Engineering Lab information

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How much do chemical engineering lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical engineering lab in California is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical engineering lab?

A chemical engineering lab is a specialized facility where chemical engineering principles are applied to conduct experiments, research, and testing related to chemical processes and materials. These labs are equipped with instruments and apparatus used to study reactions, analyze substances, and develop new materials or processes. Chemical engineering labs are vital for advancing knowledge in the field, improving industrial processes, and ensuring safety and efficiency in chemical production. Students, researchers, and professionals use these labs to gain hands-on experience and validate theoretical concepts.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineering Lab vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectChemical Engineering LabChemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, testing and experimentationIndustrial plant or manufacturing facility, process design and optimization
Industry UsageResearch institutions, labs, academiaChemical manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals
Common Search IntentEntry-level lab roles, testing proceduresProcess design, plant operation, optimization

The main difference is that Chemical Engineering Labs focus on testing, experimentation, and research within a lab environment, often involving testing new materials or processes. Chemical Process Engineers work in industrial settings, applying engineering principles to design, operate, and optimize chemical production processes. Both roles require a chemical engineering background but serve different stages of the product development and manufacturing lifecycle.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a chemical engineering lab, and how can new team members effectively navigate them?

Working in a Chemical Engineering Lab often involves handling complex experiments, maintaining strict safety protocols, and troubleshooting unexpected results. New team members might find it challenging to quickly learn specialized equipment and adapt to the fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. To succeed, it’s important to actively communicate with colleagues, seek guidance when needed, and maintain meticulous records of procedures and results. Collaborating closely with both engineers and technicians can also help accelerate your learning and integration into the team.

Can chemical engineering labs work in a lab?

Chemical engineering labs are designed for conducting experiments, testing materials, and analyzing chemical processes, so professionals in this field typically work in laboratory environments. They often use specialized equipment, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications such as OSHA training. Laboratory work is a core aspect of chemical engineering roles, supporting research, development, and process optimization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical engineering lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineering Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, lab safety, and analytical techniques, often supported by a degree or diploma in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help ensure accuracy and foster collaboration within the team. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safe lab environments, producing reliable results, and supporting research and development in chemical engineering.
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineering Lab jobs in California? For Chemical Engineering Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineering Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineering Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chemical Engineering Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Chemical Engineering Lab job openings:
Chemical Engineering Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineering Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,337 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Chemical Lab Technician I - 2nd Shift

GKN Aerospace Careers

El Cajon, CA • On-site

$21 - $25.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Chemical Lab Technician will play a vital role in supporting our operations by conducting tests, analyses, and inspections on materials and components to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications. This position requires a strong understanding of laboratory practices and procedures, as well as the ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Job Responsibilities
  • Follow laboratory plans, procedures and instructions set forth by Engineering Department. Provide data and information to lab personnel, and other customers, as appropriate.
  • Deliver technical training and provide guidance to other GKN Laboratory Technicians. Perform testing for chemical and metallurgical sample.
  • Responsible for ensuring adherence to acceptance test procedures.
  • Responsible for the execution of any customer and regulatory-delegated inspection processes as authorized by those parties. Responsible for maintaining those delegated authorities once granted.
  • Experience in using hardness tester, tensile test machine, microscopic evaluation and other related equipment.
  • Participate in authorities or OEM audit, round robin and correlation testing and other event when necessary
  • Support continuous improvement of production and inspection processes by implementing Lean initiatives.
  • Performs other duties, tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Job Qualifications
  • 2-3 years of experience in a process control or certification laboratory testing environment
  • Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Material Engineering.
  • Familiarity with lab testing equipments, customer requirement and general specification e.g ASTM, AMS etc.
  • Previous delegated product acceptance authority granted by an Aerospace OEM or regulatory authority.
  • Knowledge in Metallurgical, thermal spray coating and chemical analysis


Compensation Range:
The compensation range for this position is between $21.00-$25.50 per hour.

We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. 

Apply