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Lab Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Laboratory Automation Engineer

San Carlos, CA

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the development, deployment, optimization, and support ... Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), lab safety protocols, and all relevant regulatory ...

Goken

Test Automation Engineer - PCBA

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$49.25 - $65.25/hr

This role as a Test Automation Engineer is responsible to design and deliver test systems for ... Understanding of lab safety protocols when working in all types of lab environment * Familiarity ...

Xforia, Inc.

RF Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Responsibilities • Develop automation SW to support RF lab validation and factory test • ... Engineering • 5+ years of work experience in the wireless industry • Understanding ...

SPAN

Staff Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $200K/yr

Role & Responsibilities As a Staff Automation Engineer, you will be expected to: * Co-design test ... Experience with lab instrumentation control. Power analyzers, load simulators, signal generators ...

Natera

Laboratory Automation Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$125K - $157K/yr

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the development, deployment, optimization, and support ... Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), lab safety protocols, and all relevant regulatory ...

Natera

Laboratory Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$125K - $157K/yr

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the development, deployment, optimization, and support ... Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), lab safety protocols, and all relevant regulatory ...

Anduril Industries

Test Automation Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$49.25 - $65.25/hr

We are looking to bring on a Test Automation Engineer to design and deliver test systems for ... Understanding of lab safety protocols when working in all types of lab environment * Familiarity ...

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Lab Automation Engineer information

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$16

$47

$71

How much do lab automation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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 in the Lab Automation Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Lab Automation Engineer jobs in California? For Lab Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Lab Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Automation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,360 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to contribute to the development, implementation, and optimization of innovative lab automation systems. The role involves enabling scalable and robust end-to-end automated workflows for high-throughput cell therapy manufacturing QC testing. 

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and managing liquid handling methods, as well as supporting the integration of specified off-the-shelf instruments and custom hardware within a fully automated workcell. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, the hire will contribute to iterating on various aspects of system designs and developing strategies for workflow optimization. Additionally, the role involves leading the development and testing of specific verification and validation plans for our automation systems.

Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.
Responsibilities
  • Transfer and validated manual to automated QC workflow steps 
  • Develop, validate, and optimize automated methods for sample preparation, analysis, and data collection
  • Design and execute validation experiments to optimize assay and workflow parameters
  • Conduct verification and validation testing of integrated systems to verify proper functionality and performance
  • Analyze automation workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas for optimization
  • Implement troubleshooting methodologies to identify and resolve complex assay method issues
Requirements
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field
  • 2-4+ years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory automation systems
  • Experience programming and optimizing liquid handling methods
  • Experience developing and implementing integrated automation solutions using Biosero's Green Button Go software
  • Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems
  • Experience integrating and managing assay results with LIMS
  • Familiar with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays
  • Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation, and training materials 
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C#
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues
  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology
  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset
$90,000 - $210,000 a year
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.
This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019

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