ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prolim Global

Laboratory Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot issues and resolve problems, being sure to communicate to Lab Manager and Lab Engineer. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize ...

Apply Early

Programmers.io

Lab Test Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

JD- Lab and infrastructure administration and automation for SGP team development and product releases Robust hands on expertise in administering VMware products, HPE blade servers, HPE storage, and ...

Apply Early

Relativity Space

Moonshot Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Dark Matter Lab is a high-autonomy innovation lab built for rapid experimentation, deep-tech ... Moonshot Engineers will be wearing many different hats, from technical leadership, detailed design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 6, 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 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 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
What are popular job titles related to Lab Engineer jobs in California? For Lab Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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

Composite Materials and Process Lab Engineer

Yoh - A Day & Zimmerman Company

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Composite Materials and Process Lab Engineer
Composite Material Formulation Development and Evaluation
  • Fabricate composite laminates from developmental composite material formulations using an autoclave, benchtop press, large press, or other composite fabrication methods (e.g., liquid infusion).
  • Prepare samples for photomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, and measurement of physical and thermal material properties.
  • Perform photomicroscopy and coordinate mechanical, thermal, and physical testing with polymer laboratory personnel.
  • Conduct material design of experiments (DOE) studies and report results against performance targets established by composite materials engineers.
  • Develop processing guidelines based on material and process DOE results.
  • Develop and maintain sample preparation and testing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Organize, inventory, and track incoming composite materials.
  • Monitor laboratory equipment maintenance requirements and perform routine maintenance and servicing of composites laboratory equipment.

Key Qualifications
  • Strong background in composite materials and composite processing.
  • Hands-on experience manufacturing composite parts using autoclave and press-molding processes.
  • Direct experience processing both thermoset and thermoplastic composite materials.
  • Training and experience in experimental design and statistical data analysis.
  • Ability to develop detailed experimental plans from high-level technical requirements.
  • Experience operating common laboratory equipment, including:
    • Specimen cutting and polishing equipment
    • Optical microscopy systems
    • Surface profilometers
    • Universal testing machines (UTM)
    • Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
    • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
    • Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of hands-on materials and/or process engineering experience in composite materials development and manufacturing.

Estimated Min Rate: $60.00
Estimated Max Rate: $75.00
What s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • MetLife Voluntary Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
  • Referral Bonus Programs
  • Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.
Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Visit ;/strong> to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.
For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
By applying and submitting your resume, you authorize Yoh to review and reformat your resume to meet Yoh s hiring clients preferences. To learn more about Yoh s privacy practices, please see our Candidate Privacy Notice: ;/strong>

Apply