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Lab Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cinder LLC

Automation Lab Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$50/hr

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 ...

Apex Systems

Network Lab Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Enterprise Network Lab Engineer Function: IT Infrastructure / Enterprise Networking About the Role We are looking for a hands-on Enterprise Network Lab Engineer to own and operate our enterprise ...

Astera Labs

Hardware Lab Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $230K/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 ...

Infotech Sourcing

Lab Engineer

Sausalito, CA

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 ...

Infotech Sourcing

Lab Engineer

Sausalito, CA · On-site

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 ...

Infotech Sourcing

Lab Engineer

Sausalito, CA · On-site

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 ...

Astera Labs

Hardware Lab Engineer

San Jose, CA

$160K - $230K/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 ...

Astreya

Enterprise Network Lab Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a hands-on Enterprise Network Lab Engineer to own and operate our client'senterprise network validation lab. This role is the bridge between network architecture and ...

Apple

Lab Operations Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Lab Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of a cross-functional lab environment responsible for keeping our high-speed measurement and test infrastructure running reliably. You will ...

Apple

Lab Operations Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$101K - $197K/yr

As a Lab Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of a cross-functional lab environment responsible for keeping our high-speed measurement and test infrastructure running reliably. You will ...

Equinix

Senior Network Lab Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $167K/yr

The Senior Network Lab Engineer will design and develop interconnection solutions and services while managing network infrastructure and collaborating with partner teams to ensure operational ...

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All JobsLab Engineer JobsLab Engineer Jobs in California

Lab Engineer information

See California salary details

$16

$47

$71

How much do lab engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 are Lab Engineers and what do they 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 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex technical requirements.

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 lab jobs pay well?

Lab engineers and related laboratory roles that require specialized skills, such as biomedical, chemical, or industrial lab engineers, tend to pay higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications or experience. Positions in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and manufacturing often offer higher compensation due to technical demands and safety requirements.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level roles.

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 does a lab engineer do?

A lab engineer designs, develops, and maintains laboratory equipment and systems to support scientific research and testing. They often troubleshoot technical issues, ensure safety protocols, and may use tools like CAD software or testing instruments. Strong technical skills and knowledge of laboratory procedures are essential for this role.

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.
More about Lab Engineer jobs
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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:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Engineer jobs in CA? For Lab Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lab Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,360 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Automation Lab Engineer

Automation Lab Engineer

Cinder LLC

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$50/hr

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Title: 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 the most innovative products to market! If you are interested in helping bring the next generation of consumer products to market while working across a multitude of technologies AND developing new technical skills, Novus Labs is a great place to either start your career or continue to evolve it.
About the Role
As an Automation Lab Engineer, you will support and enhance lab-based testing infrastructure for hardware validation. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to maintain lab environments, automate testing processes, and ensure reliable execution of validation workflows.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop and maintain lab automation testing infrastructure.
  • Support validation testing, debugging, and issue resolution.
  • Manage lab logistics including inventory and equipment handling.
  • Commission and qualify lab equipment and systems.
  • Maintain lab environments and hardware testing setups.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot issues.
  • Perform hardware rework and preventative maintenance.
  • Establish and maintain routine testing procedures.
  • Monitor test execution using tools such as AWS.
  • Provide on-call support for automated lab systems.

About You
You are a hands-on engineer with strong troubleshooting skills and experience working in lab environments. You are comfortable collaborating across teams and improving processes to enhance testing efficiency and reliability.
Required Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting automated testing infrastructure.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware validation and lab operations.
  • Strong understanding of testing processes and workflows.
  • Experience with AWS or similar tools.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills.
  • Effective communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with automated testbeds.
  • Python scripting experience.
  • Familiarity with Android Debug Bridge.
  • Experience with Linux systems.
  • Automotive industry experience.
  • Strong analytical skills.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas.
About Cinder
Cinder is a people-first staffing and recruiting company committed to creating workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged. Our mission is to leverage our power as a recruiting and consulting company to build workplaces where people thrive. Backed by our ISO 9001 certification, we deliver high-quality staffing solutions, and our clients have rated us over 100% for multiple quarters. Join us and be part of a team that makes a real impact!

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