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Lab Automation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Predicine, Inc

Senior Automation Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$119K - $156K/yr

Familiarity with lab automation tools, instrumentation (e.g., Agilent, Bio-Rad, Thermofisher), and software (e.g., BIOlims). * Familiarity with barcoding, labware management, and traceability tools.

Predicine, Inc

Senior Automation Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$119K - $156K/yr

Familiarity with lab automation tools, instrumentation (e.g., Agilent, Bio-Rad, Thermofisher), and software (e.g., BIOlims). * Familiarity with barcoding, labware management, and traceability tools.

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All JobsLab Automation JobsLab Automation Jobs in California

Lab Automation information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do lab automation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab automation in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Automation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AutomationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, engineering, or related field; certifications in automation systems are a plusUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks with automated systems, robotics, and software in labs or manufacturing settingsPerforms manual testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research labs focusing on automationFound across medical, environmental, and industrial laboratories performing routine testing

Lab Automation specialists focus on designing, maintaining, and improving automated laboratory systems, often requiring technical and engineering skills. Laboratory Technicians perform manual testing and sample processing, typically with less emphasis on automation. Both roles are essential in laboratory operations but differ in technical complexity and daily tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Automation, and why are they important?

To excel in Lab Automation, you need a strong background in laboratory science, automation technology, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), robotics, and programming languages like Python or VBA is highly advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient, and scalable laboratory workflows, driving productivity and innovation in scientific research or diagnostics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in lab automation and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in lab automation roles is integrating new automation technologies with existing laboratory equipment and workflows. This can require close collaboration with scientists, IT staff, and vendors to ensure compatibility and minimize disruptions. Keeping up with rapidly changing technology and troubleshooting complex systems are also frequent aspects of the job. Continuous training, proactive maintenance, and clear communication with cross-functional teams can help address these challenges and support efficient lab operations.

What is lab automation?

Lab automation refers to the use of technology, such as robotics and software, to perform laboratory tasks with minimal human intervention. This approach increases efficiency, improves accuracy, and reduces the risk of human error in tasks like sample preparation, testing, and data analysis. Lab automation is widely used in research, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical development to streamline workflows and handle large volumes of samples. Automation can range from simple liquid handling robots to fully integrated systems that manage entire laboratory processes.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Automation jobs in California? For Lab Automation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Automation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Automation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Automation jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Automation job openings:
Lab Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Automation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Senior .NET Software Engineer - Biotech Instrumentation

Senior .NET Software Engineer - Biotech Instrumentation

3 Key Consulting

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$147K - $194K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Senior.NET Software Engineer Biotech Instrumentation

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA, OR South San Francisco

Business Unit: Research & Automation Technologies (R&AT) - Center for Research Acceleration through Digital Innovation

Employment Type: Contract to Hire

Duration: 3 years with likely conversion to FTE

3 Key Consulting is hiring Senior Software Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Job Description

Manager is looking for onsite support, either to the Thousand Oaks or South San Francisco locations. This is a developer role and not a typical software engineer. They will be writing software for automation used in robotics for lab equipment.

Qualifications
  • Manager needs individual with min Bachelors and 4 YOE or Masters with 2 YOE.
  • Looking for expertise with Microsoft development technologies (Visual Studio,.NET framework, C#, WPF), and Python.
  • Experience with cloud-based technologies, in particular AWS.
  • Experience with database technologies (SQL Server, Oracle, NoSQL).
  • Experience with DevOps (GitLab, TeamCity).
  • The Research & Automation Technologies (R&AT) group within client's Center for Research Acceleration through Digital Innovation (CRADI) is seeking a highly creative candidate for a Senior Software Engineer position.
  • This person will be responsible for the development and delivery of full-stack solutions that accelerate the discovery and development of Client's life-saving therapeutics. These solutions will require integration with multiple systems across our informatic ecosystem, using a variety of existing and emerging technologies, including source code repository and automated build system managements, AWS infrastructure management, device driver development, and data integration.
  • This Senior Software Engineer will play a key role in developing solutions that enable the evolution of our Research labs into highly automated, highly integrated next-generation facilities.
  • Our goal is to develop transformative, automated systems that fundamentally change the way science is executed in our Research labs. To effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, an understanding of biology, chemistry and drug discovery is essential.
Why is the Position Open?

Staff Augmentation

Top Must-Have Skill Sets:
  • Expertise with Microsoft development technologies (Visual Studio,.NET framework, C#, WPF), and Python.
  • Experience with cloud-based technologies, in particular AWS.
  • Experience with database technologies (SQL Server, Oracle, NoSQL).
  • Experience with DevOps (GitLab, TeamCity).
Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Development of device drivers to facilitate lab instrument integration with controlling software
  • Development of software to control small-scale lab instrument integrations
  • Development of lab-specific informatic systems to manage individual labs' data and integrate it with Research Informatic Systems
  • Development of lab automation control software scripts that control the execution of scientific protocols by lab automation
Employee Value Proposition:

This is not a maintenance role. There is no one project. Every project is new and creative because the tools do not exist commercially. Excellent opportunity to see product in use in real time.

Interview Process:

Phone interview with 3-4 team members

We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to recruiting@3keyconsulting.com. If you decide that you're not interested in pursuing this position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are welcome to also share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

Apply