ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Director Jobs in Orange, CA (NOW HIRING)

Onterris

Laboratory Assistant - Wet Chemistry

Orange, CA

$17.25 - $20/hr

Other duties as assigned by the Group Leader, Operations Manager, or Lab Director YourExpertise andSkills These requirements reflect the knowledge,skillsand abilities that help you do your best work ...

Onterris

Laboratory Assistant - Metals

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

Other duties as assigned by the Group Leader, Operations Manager, or Lab Director YourExpertise andSkills These requirements reflect the knowledge,skillsand abilities that help you do your best work ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Director, Contracts

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and ... DIRECTOR, CONTRACTS Based onsite at one of Rocket Lab's US Sites (Long Beach, CA, Silver Spring, MD ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab JobsLab Director JobsLab Director Jobs in Orange, CA

Lab Director information

See Orange, CA salary details

$48.1K

$134.7K

$198.7K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in Orange, CA is $134,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $148,000.00 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.

How much does a lab director make in the US?

A lab director in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Salaries can be higher in specialized fields such as clinical or research laboratories, especially with advanced certifications and management responsibilities.

What does a lab director do?

A lab director oversees the operations, management, and safety of a laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards. They coordinate research activities, supervise staff, and may be involved in budgeting, equipment maintenance, and reporting. Strong leadership, scientific expertise, and knowledge of laboratory protocols are essential for this role.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Lab Director jobs in Orange, CA?

For Lab Director jobs in Orange, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in Orange, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in Orange, CA are:

What cities near Orange, CA are hiring for Lab Director jobs?

Cities near Orange, CA with the most Lab Director job openings:

Lab Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in Orange, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,693 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Director, Manufacturing Finance

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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

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.

What Rocket Lab employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply