1

Lab Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Consultant - Tech Impl L1 / Lab Engineer Location Sunnyvale, CA 5 days onsite no remote option * Service Assurance Testing: Validate fault management, alarm correlations, and incident ticketing ...

Automation Lab Engineer Pay Rate: $50/hr + DOE Location: Sunnyvale, CA Type: Full Time About Our Client Novus Labs is an engineering company supporting the largest tech companies in bringing some of ...

$82K - $110K/yr

Onsite Clariant is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join the Catalyst Research & Development team in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will support the development of next-generation catalyst ...

Hardware Lab Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Discover more at ;br> Overview Astera Labs Inc. is seeking an experienced and self-driven Hardware Lab Engineer to join our dynamic team in developing world class connectivity products for AI ...

Hardware Lab Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Overview Astera Labs Inc. is seeking an experienced and self-driven Hardware Lab Engineer to join our dynamic team in developing world class connectivity products for AI infrastructure. This role ...

Hardware Lab Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Overview TeleWorld Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented and technically proficient Hardware Lab Engineer with strong hands-on experience in RF lab environments and Python-based automation. The ...

Hardware Lab Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Overview TeleWorld Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented and technically proficient Hardware Lab Engineer with strong hands-on experience in RF lab environments and Python-based automation. The ...

Overview Astera Labs Inc. is seeking an experienced and self-driven Hardware Lab Engineer to join our dynamic team in developing world class connectivity products for AI infrastructure. This role ...

Hardware Lab Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Overview TeleWorld Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented and technically proficient Hardware Lab Engineer with strong hands-on experience in RF lab environments and Python-based automation. The ...

We are currently seeking systems engineers with a passion for technology to develop the next generation of smart, AI-powered wearable devices. In this role, you will partner with research scientists ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Engineer information

See California salary details

$16

$47

$71

How much do lab engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab 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 is a lab engineer?

A lab engineer is responsible for the IT infrastructure of a laboratory. As a lab engineer, your job duties include conducting technical evaluations of hardware equipment and software, deploying code, troubleshooting and fixing issues, maintaining the server and network systems, and coordinating with scientists, lab technicians, system engineers, and operations staff. You need a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and experience with networking principles, middleware platform, and database connectivity. You can find lab engineer jobs in the science and medical research industry.

What does a lab engineer do?

Lab Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating laboratory equipment and systems. They work in various fields such as electronics, chemistry, or biomedical engineering, ensuring experiments and tests are conducted accurately and safely. Lab Engineers also troubleshoot technical issues, calibrate equipment, and often assist researchers or students with their projects. Their work is critical for supporting research and development, quality control, and product testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering or applied sciences, analytical problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with lab instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and standard safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as OSHA or Six Sigma can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate experimentation, reliable results, and a safe, efficient laboratory environment.

What are some common challenges faced by lab engineers and how can they be addressed?

Lab Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, managing multiple experiments simultaneously, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying organized and maintaining detailed documentation can help manage workload and prevent errors. Regular communication with team members and ongoing training on new technologies are also essential for staying current and effective in the role.

What is the difference between Lab Engineer vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab EngineerLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related fieldDiploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee laboratory experiments and equipmentPerform routine tests, prepare samples, and maintain lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlMedical labs, research facilities, industrial testing

Lab Engineers focus on designing and managing laboratory processes and equipment, often requiring engineering degrees. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample preparation, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,360 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Lab Engineer

Softpath

Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Consultant - Tech Impl L1 /Lab Engineer

Location Sunnyvale, CA 5 days onsite no remote option

Job Description:

  • Service Assurance Testing: Validate fault management, alarm correlations, and incident ticketing workflows. Simulate network failures in test environments to verify alerting accuracy and root-cause analysis tools.
  • E2E Integration: Test complex data flows across NetCracker OSS, ServiceNow, and Salesforce; familiarity with Element Management Systems (EMS), specifically Nokia and Adtran platforms.
  • NOC Workflow Familiarity: Deep understanding of incident, event, and network inventory management.
  • Network Domain Knowledge: Solid understanding of telecom network architectures and hands-on hardware experience across xPON, IP, and Optical domains.
  • Ability to provide monthly night deployment testing support and weekly evening support on-demand from the lab to align with maintenance windows and release cycles (typically 24 hours per release).