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Chemical Engineering Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ZymoChem

Lab Assistant

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Associates Degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material Science, or a related discipline preferred. * Minimum 1 years of experience in the biotech industry or lab ...

ZymoChem

Lab Assistant

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Associates Degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material Science, or a related discipline preferred. * Minimum 1 years of experience in the biotech industry or lab ...

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 ...

System One

Product Development Lab Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Product Development Lab Technician Location : Irvine, CA Work Model : Onsite Hours : M-F 8am-5pm ... Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences and Engineering; Polymer Materials ...

System One

Product Development Lab Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Product Development Lab Technician Location : Irvine, CA Work Model : Onsite Hours : M-F 8am-5pm ... Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences and Engineering; Polymer Materials ...

System One

Product Development Lab Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Product Development Lab Technician Location : Irvine, CA Work Model : Onsite Hours : M-F 8am-5pm ... Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences and Engineering; Polymer Materials ...

System One

Product Development Lab Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Product Development Lab Technician Location : Irvine, CA Work Model : Onsite Hours : M-F 8am-5pm ... Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences and Engineering; Polymer Materials ...

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Chemical Engineering Lab information

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How much do chemical engineering lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in leadership roles or in high-demand industries. Achieving this salary often requires expertise in process optimization, project management, and proficiency with industry tools like simulation software.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership roles in the industry can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. High compensation is often associated with executive-level positions or specialized roles in large corporations or high-demand sectors.

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.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in process optimization or management can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in industries like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals often offer such compensation, especially with leadership responsibilities or bonuses.

Can a Chemical Engineer work in a lab?

Yes, chemical engineers often work in laboratories where they conduct experiments, develop processes, and analyze chemical reactions. Laboratory work is a common part of their role, requiring skills in instrumentation, safety protocols, and data analysis.
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
Director of Product Development, Aerospace Materials (chemical engineering) to $250,000

Director of Product Development, Aerospace Materials (chemical engineering) to $250,000

Intermedia Group, Inc.

Pittsburg, CA • On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

OPEN JOB: Director of Product Development, Aerospace Materials
LOCATION: Bay Point, California
***Relocation Assistance Available
BASE SALARY: $175,000 to $250,000
INDUSTRY: Manufacturing & Production
JOB CATEGORY: Research & Development
This position is with our client’s Adhesive Technologies business unit – where they empower our people to transform industries and provide our customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.  
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manage Bay Point Product Development team to deliver high quality and innovative products to meet strategic and financial goals  
  • Contribute to technical road mapping for aerospace, identifying new trends and scouting ideas 
  • Provide Technical Readiness Level inputs to new project ideas to facilitate prioritization in innovation portfolio
  • Execute IP strategy to maintain company Technology leadership through patents, trade secrets, etc. 
  • Resolve customer technical issues and support root cause investigations 
  • Collaborate with site quality review board to prioritize and execute Management of Change projects to defend/maintain our existing business
  • Responsible for site safety & 5s
  • Identify, justify, and execute lab investments in CAPEX/OPEX to increase efficiency, safety, and execution 
  • Collaborate and communicate across PD sites, Application Engineering, Project Management, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and other key functions to smoothly execute all the actions above

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar
  • 10+ years' experience in chemical R&D environment strongly preferred
  • 5+ years in Aerospace industry strongly preferred
  • Experience leading product development with Stage Gate system
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Experience building, mentoring, and scaling high-performance technical teams 
  • Direct experience presenting technical solutions to aerospace OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please respond back and include the following:
 
  • MS WORD Resume
  • required compensation.
  • Contact information.
  • Availability
 
Upon receipt, one of our managers will contact you to discuss the position in full detail.
STEPHEN FLEISCHNER
Recruiting Manager
INTERMEDIA GROUP, INC.
EMAIL: sfleischner@intermediagroup.com
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefleischner/