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Lab Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$157K - $197K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

Agendia, Inc

Clinical Laboratory Scientist l/ll

Irvine, CA · On-site

$48 - $53/hr

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting * Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following ...

Agendia

Clinical Laboratory Scientist l/ll

Irvine, CA · On-site

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting * Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Clinical Scientist II - C

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$47.85 - $52.85/hr

Follow all new and revised lab procedures as directed by the Department Manager, General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor or Lab Director. Provides general or direct supervision of Lab personnel and ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Clinical Scientist II - C

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$47 - $52/hr

Follow all new and revised lab procedures as directed by the Department Manager, General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor or Lab Director. * Provides general or direct supervision of Lab personnel ...

Abbott

Clinical Scientist II - C

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$50 - $54/hr

Follow all new and revised lab procedures as directed by the Department Manager, General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor or Lab Director. * Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides general or direct ...

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Lab Director information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$124.4K

$183.6K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in California is $124,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Director, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, extensive laboratory experience, and strong management skills. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance protocols like CLIA or CAP, and quality assurance tools is crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective lab operations, regulatory adherence, and a high standard of scientific integrity and safety.

What are some common challenges a lab director faces when managing a multidisciplinary team?

Lab Directors often oversee teams composed of scientists, technicians, and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds. A key challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these disciplines, especially when balancing research priorities with regulatory compliance and resource allocation. Building a culture of transparency and continuous improvement helps address these challenges, as does providing ongoing professional development to team members. Proactively managing conflicts and aligning the team's goals with the lab's overall mission are also crucial responsibilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Director jobs in California? For Lab Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Director job openings:
Lab Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,435 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Director, Manufacturing Finance

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

FINANCE

Rocket Lab's Finance team is responsible for all financial transactions for the company, operating as a well-oiled machine to maximize the value of our work. Our Finance team are made up of planners, analysts and accountants, and manage our policies, compliance, and reporting. They're the ones who keep our financial operations in check, always thinking ahead and taking care to meet all of our financial, business, and government obligations. They're attentive, diligent, and meticulous, and are mission-critical to Rocket Lab.

DIRECTOR, MANUFACTURING FINANCE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Manufacturing Finance is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial operations, planning, and analysis within the manufacturing function of the organization. This individual will act as a key business partner to the Chief Operations Officer and the manufacturing leadership team, driving financial performance, operational efficiency, and cost optimization across production facilities and supply chain operations. The Director will provide critical insights and recommendations to support decision-making, ensure compliance, and align financial strategies with the company's overall goals.

The Director of Manufacturing Finance will report directly to the Vice President of Finance.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

  • Serve as the primary financial advisor to the COO and the manufacturing leadership team, providing strategic guidance on cost management, capital investments, and operational efficiencies.
  • Develop and implement financial strategies that align with manufacturing goals and overall business objectives.
  • Lead financial planning and forecasting processes for manufacturing operations, ensuring accuracy and alignment with corporate targets.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

  • Oversee the preparation of detailed financial analyses, including cost variance analysis, production efficiency metrics, and profitability assessments.
  • Lead Program Accounting efforts
  • Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to manufacturing costs, inventory management, and supply chain performance.
  • Present financial insights and recommendations to senior executives and stakeholders.

Cost Management and Optimization:

  • Drive cost reduction initiatives across manufacturing operations, including labor, materials, overhead, and supply chain expenses.
  • Collaborate with operations teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and waste reduction.
  • Ensure accurate product costing to support profitability goals.

Capital Planning and Investment:

  • Evaluate and prioritize capital investment opportunities in manufacturing facilities and equipment.
  • Lead financial due diligence for new projects, ensuring alignment with ROI and payback criteria.
  • Monitor capital expenditures and ensure adherence to budgets.

Operational Partnership:

  • Partner with plant managers and supply chain leaders to improve operational performance and financial outcomes.
  • Provide financial expertise to support decisions related to production planning, inventory management, and procurement strategies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with operational objectives.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in finance, with a focus on manufacturing or supply chain operations.
  • Proven track record of driving cost optimization initiatives.
  • Experience in managing large-scale budgets and capital projects.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to manufacturing facilities and supply chain locations.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • MBA or CPA preferred.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$190,000—$220,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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