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Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Lab Manager - Mountain View, CA We're looking for a detail‐oriented Lab Manager to oversee daily lab operations, inventory, and logistics. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and ...

LAB MANAGER

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

The Lab Manager is responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory. The Lab Manager must be available to the lab on as needed basis to provide supervisor and/or to perform ...

The Lab Manager is responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory. The Lab Manager must be available to the lab on as needed basis to provide supervisor and/or to perform ...

LAB MANAGER

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

The Lab Manager is responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory. The Lab Manager must be available to the lab on as needed basis to provide supervisor and/or to perform ...

Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Summary We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to serve as the backbone of our hardware development environment. You will wear many hats, including help set up lab spaces, navigating EHS ...

Hardware Lab Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$104K - $160.80K/yr

Job Title Hardware Lab Manager What does a successful Hardware Lab Manager do at Clover? At Clover, a successful Hardware Lab Manager serves as the backbone of our product development cycle for ...

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of testing data and results. Primary ...

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of testing data and results. Primary ...

Hardware Lab Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$104K - $160.80K/yr

Job Title Hardware Lab Manager What does a successful Hardware Lab Manager do at Clover? At Clover, a successful Hardware Lab Manager serves as the backbone of our product development cycle for ...

Technical Lab Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Technical Lab Manager Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 Department: Network Planning and Operational Structure Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hayward, CA Reporting To: Pilot Facility Manager ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Lab Manager

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Manage inventory of lab supplies, reagents, and materials * Review and validate microbiological and analytical data * Implement new testing methodologies and improve existing protocols * Quality ...

Lab Manager

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Manage inventory of lab supplies, reagents, and materials * Review and validate microbiological and analytical data * Implement new testing methodologies and improve existing protocols * Quality ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$90.8K

$147K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in California is $90,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What does a Lab Manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
Lab Manager

Lab Manager

Quest Global

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Quest Global rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 351 rated engineering


Job description

Lab Manager – Mountain View, CA

We’re looking for a detail‐oriented Lab Manager to oversee daily lab operations, inventory, and logistics. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and experienced in lab or warehouse environments.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage daily lab operations and ensure safety.
  • Implement quality control processes.
  • Oversee inventory, storage, and material flow.
  • Handle shipments, receiving, procurement tracking, and invoices.
  • Maintain accurate records and conduct routine audits.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to support lab needs.

Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with lab techniques and instruments.
  • Experience in inventory management or logistics.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem‐solving ability.

Company Description

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.
We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.