1

Lab Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer II

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $168K/yr

Lab Science Employment Type: Full Time Location: San Mateo, CA Description The role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer to build, support, and sustain the automated ...

Automation Engineer II

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $168K/yr

Lab Science Employment Type: Full Time Location: San Mateo, CA Description The role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking a hands‑on Automation Engineer to build, support, and sustain the automated ...

About this Role You'll design, implement, and maintain the automation infrastructure that powers Voltai's hardware validation labs. You'll build systems that automatically test, characterize, and ...

About this Role You'll design, implement, and maintain the automation infrastructure that powers Voltai's hardware validation labs. You'll build systems that automatically test, characterize, and ...

Automation Engineer II

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

This position reports directly to Keltoum Boukra and works in close collaboration with the Lab ... the automation team's know-how. * Collaborate with software engineering teams on end-to-end ...

Automation Engineer II

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

This position reports directly to Keltoum Boukra and works in close collaboration with the Lab ... the automation team's know-how. * Collaborate with software engineering teams on end-to-end ...

NGS Automation Engineer Full Time Professional IVD/Automation, Hayward, CA, US 23 days ago ... Exposure to lab automation platforms and instrumentation (e.g., Agilent, Bio-Rad, Thermo Fisher ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$16

$47

$71

How much do lab automation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab automation engineer in California is $47.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.30 and $59.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab automation engineer do?

A Lab Automation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems used in laboratory environments to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility of experiments. They work with robotics, software, and laboratory instruments to streamline workflows for research, diagnostics, or manufacturing processes. Their responsibilities often include programming automation scripts, integrating hardware and software, troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with scientists to optimize lab operations.

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

To thrive as a Lab Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or life sciences, experience with laboratory workflows, and proficiency in programming and automation. Familiarity with tools such as liquid handling robots, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), scripting languages (like Python or VBA), and certifications like Six Sigma or CLIA can be highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for designing efficient automated systems, maintaining equipment, and ensuring seamless lab operations in complex, collaborative environments.

What are some common challenges lab automation engineers face in their daily work?

Lab Automation Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting integration issues between new automation equipment and existing lab systems, as well as optimizing protocols for maximum efficiency. Adjusting to rapidly evolving technology and managing the customization of automated solutions for diverse experiments are also common aspects of the role. Collaboration with scientists, IT specialists, and quality control teams is essential to ensure that automation meets both technical and regulatory requirements. Successfully navigating these challenges requires adaptability, communication, and a solution-oriented mindset.

What job categories do people searching Lab Automation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Automation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,360 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Lab Automation Engineer II

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Labcorp
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

$100K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Labcorp rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 1,165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Labcorp is a global leader in laboratory services, providing the insights and answers that help healthcare providers, patients, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve outcomes. Through our unparalleled science, data, technology and laboratory network, we advance diagnostics, accelerate innovation and help address some of the world's most important health challenges. As we shape the future of healthcare, we are leveraging advanced technologies, intelligent digital solutions and data-driven innovation across our operations to enhance how work gets done and deliver greater value to customers and patients. With our global scale and deep expertise, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, grow your career and make a real impact on people's health around the world. Together, we're improving health and improving lives.
Labcorp is seeking a Lab Automation Engineer II to join our Monogram lab in South San Francisco!
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Address: 345 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA
Job Responsibilities
  • Lead the development and integration of the automation systems and related software tools
  • Prepare documentation for equipment validation and operating procedures
  • Develop scripts for liquid handling robots and other lab automation instruments, including Hamilton Microlab STARs
  • Build strong relationships with end users, lab supervisors, and process owners while coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation and adoption across laboratory environments
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts, analyze data, and help drive key process related decisions
  • Participate in on-call service for off-hours support as needed

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical), or in a Chemical or Biological Life Science or related field
  • 2 years or more experience with lab automation instruments within a clinical lab or biotechnology or life science industry

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 1 year or more programming experience in C, Python, and scripting languages
  • 1 year or more experience developing automation solutions

Additional Job Standards:
  • Ability to read and understand technical documentation
  • Experience handling projects independently
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to complete and maintain documentation

About Monogram:
Monogram Biosciences, Inc.(a wholly-owned subsidiary of LabCorp), is a leader in developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic products to help guide and improve the treatment of HIV, HCV, and other viral illnesses, as well as cancer and other diseases. Monogram's services enable health care providers to optimize treatment regimens for their patients. Monogram also supports pharmaceutical companies in developing new and improved antiviral therapeutics and vaccines and targeted cancer therapeutics. Located in South San Francisco, Monogram provides an innovative and flexible work environment, where you will have the opportunity to be part of pioneering new diagnostics technologies.
**Pay Range: $100,000 - $135,000 / year
All job offers will be based on a candidate's skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data.
Benefits: Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees are only eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Employees who are regularly scheduled to work a 7 on/7 off schedule are eligible to receive all the foregoing benefits except PTO or FTO. For more detailed information, please click here.
Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law.
We encourage all to apply
If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance using our online tools to search and apply for jobs, or needs an accommodation, please visit our accessibility site or contact us at Labcorp Accessibility. For more information about how we collect and store your personal data, please see our Privacy Statement.

What Labcorp employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom