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Lab Associate Jobs in Spring Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Metlab Technician

El Cajon, CA

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Position Summary The Metal Lab Technician is responsible for performing metallurgical testing ... Associate degree or technical certification in metallurgy, materials science, or related field ...

Working closely with the SCC Director, Associate Director of Research Administration, and Senior ... Lab Website: Paralleling efforts for the Salk Cancer Center website, originates content for the lab ...

Warehouse Associate

Poway, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Warehouse Associate Every Order Shipped Right Keeps a Lab Running Why This Role Matters When a lab runs out of critical supplies, experiments stop. Patient samples wait. Research timelines slip. As a ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Associate information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

$13

$22

$34

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Spring Valley, CA is $22.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab associate?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What are some typical challenges a lab associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Spring Valley, CA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Spring Valley, CA are:

What cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Spring Valley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,604 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Chemical Lab Technician II - 1st Shift

GKN Aerospace

El Cajon, CA • On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


GKN Aerospace rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 72 rated aerospace companies


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 Technician II will provide chemical process capability to operational and development programs. Accountable for delivering robust, capable chemical technician capability as it applies to materials, processes, and equipment.
Job Responsibilities
  • Chemical handling in a dynamic manufacturing setting supporting multiple production lines.
  • Work with a cross functional team to execute chemical processes including but not limited to chemical sampling and recharge procedures, waste management, chemical hadling and storage, and chemical laboratory testing.
  • Basic troubleshooting of PLC controlled chemical lines.
  • Manages the lab and process chemical inventory for the site including determining stock levels and replinishing as necessary.
  • Support a DI water filtration station including purity testing and volume management.
  • Execute chemical bench testing.
  • Oversees records of anlaysis and tank charging in accordance with NADCAP and OEM standards.
  • Services and verfies calibration of pipettes and prepare chemical standards required by test methods.
  • Support day to day operation of a chemical laboratory alongside chemical engineers and senior laboratory technicians.
  • Work with laboratory equipment to support the periodical testing required to support production.
  • Safely and responsibly manange handling of hazardous materials on an industrial scale as well as in a laboratory setting.
  • Maintain and optimize the chemical levels in automated vibratory and centrifuge lines to maintain optimal operation.
  • Participate as a member of the response team for chemical spills and cleanups.
  • Submit monthly Kaizens and continuous improvement projects to optimize production procedures.

Job Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
  • Associate degree in chemistry or related science degree or minimum 3 years of chemical lab experience or related functions, preferably aerospace.
  • Ability to review and understand customer and NADCAP requirements.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with specifications, testing equipment, hand tools, analytical instruments, pipettes, burettes, and pneumatic pumps.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and verbal/written communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of chemical processing and handling.
  • Must be able to obtain a forklift certification
  • Must have or be able to obtain a HAZWOPER certification

Preferred Qualification:
  • GKN Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related subject
  • Experience with metallic coating removal processes, automated clean lines, and acid etch processes
  • Experience with acid handling and safety procedures
  • Experience with chemical laboratory testing procedures
  • Experience with PLC controlled systems

Mental and Physical Demands
  • Good vision with correction
  • Ability to climb ladders, lift up to 50 lbs., stand, and crouch and occasionally work in small spaces
  • Ability to learn the lab and clean line functions
  • 25% heavy work, 55% light work and 20% desk workMental and Physical Demands

Compensation:
The compensation range for this postion is between: $30.00 - $33.00
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.

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