1

Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Lancaster, CA (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-38

Lab Operations Associate information

See Lancaster, CA salary details

$11

$27

$56

How much do lab operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations associate in Lancaster, CA is $27.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by lab operations associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Operations Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols, and ensuring timely supply inventory. Successfully meeting these challenges requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with both lab technicians and management. Proactively prioritizing tasks and regularly reviewing inventory and safety procedures can help maintain smooth lab operations and contribute to a collaborative and efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab operations associate?

To thrive as a Lab Operations Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, inventory management, and safety protocols, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory tracking software, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure smooth laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and reliable support for scientific research or testing.

What is the difference between Lab Operations Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Operations AssociateLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications may enhance prospectsUsually requires an associate degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentSupports lab workflows, manages supplies, and maintains equipmentPerforms testing, sample analysis, and data recording
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, biotech, and research labs for operational supportFound in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research labs for technical testing

The Lab Operations Associate primarily handles logistical and support tasks within the lab environment, ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, the Laboratory Technician focuses on performing technical tests and analyzing samples. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What is a lab operations associate?

Lab Operations Associates are professionals who support the daily functioning of scientific laboratories. Their responsibilities often include managing lab supplies, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and assisting with sample processing or data entry. They work closely with scientists and technicians to ensure experiments and research activities run smoothly. This role is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient laboratory environment.
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations Associate jobs in Lancaster, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations Associate jobs in Lancaster, CA are:
What cities near Lancaster, CA are hiring for Lab Operations Associate jobs? Cities near Lancaster, CA with the most Lab Operations Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Operations Associate job openings in Lancaster, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,679 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary The Flight Loads Lab Technician provides advanced technical support for the Aerostructures Branch (Code 560) within the Flight Loads Laboratory (FLL) under NASA Armstrong's Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract. This position supports the setup, operation, maintenance, and documentation of mechanical, thermal, and structural test systems for NASA's flight research and structural testing programs. The technician applies deep technical expertise in hydraulics, instrumentation, control systems, and thermal-mechanical test operations to ensure reliable, safe, and accurate test execution.

This role is integral to validating airframe designs, load paths, and material performance in support of current and future NASA flight research projects. Primary Responsibilities Assemble and integrate mechanical test articles, including structural fixtures, load frames, and thermal test systems. Set up and operate hydraulic systems, including pumps, manifolds, servo valves, load cells, actuators, and associated instrumentation.

Support cryogenic and gaseous nitrogen system operations, including plumbing, monitoring, and safety compliance. Install, configure, and operate radiant heating systems using quartz-lamp and graphite-element heaters, ensuring correct electrical and thermal configurations. Fabricate and install mechanical/electrical assemblies, load-train components, thermocouples, strain gauges, and data-acquisition wiring.

Calibrate and verify instrumentation, including pressure transducers, load cells, and displacement sensors. Assist in test planning and documentation, ensuring setup configurations, load paths, and safety procedures comply with NASA and AFRC requirements. Operate, monitor, and maintain test control systems during static, dynamic, and thermal testing.

Collect, record, and process test data, ensuring data integrity and accurate reporting. Support troubleshooting and maintenance of test fixtures, hydraulic systems, and electronic control hardware. Coordinate with engineers to implement modifications and improvements to test systems.

Ensure compliance with safety protocols, PPE use, and environmental regulations per NASA and OSHA standards. Prepare technical and status reports documenting system configuration, calibration results, anomalies, and corrective actions. Work Environment & Schedule On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB).

Typical Schedule: 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule (80 hours over 9 workdays per two-week period). Work may occasionally require extended or off-shift hours to support critical test operations. Hands-on, laboratory, and test-floor environment requiring use of PPE, lifting up to 50 lbs, and standing for extended periods.

Key Benefits and Impact Direct contribution to NASA's structural verification and flight-research missions. Collaboration with NASA engineers, researchers, and industry partners on high-visibility projects. Opportunities for career advancement into technical-leadership or systems-integration roles.

Work in a nationally recognized test facility supporting cutting-edge aerospace programs such as X-59 (Quesst) and future flight demonstrators.Minimum Qualifications Master Engineering Support Technician / Lead Engineering Support Technician a) At least 15 years' experience and military technical school diploma or Associate Degree or greater, or b) At least 20 years' experience, or c) At least 10 years' experience and lead technician responsibilities in the assigned task(s). Additional required competencies: Demonstrated proficiency in setup and operation of hydraulic and thermal test systems. Skilled in use of test-control and data-acquisition software, calibration procedures, and system troubleshooting

Strong understanding of mechanical structures, instrumentation wiring, and load-application principles. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test plans. Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare reports and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

U.S. Citizenship required (NASA facility access). Preferred Qualifications Experience with NASA Armstrong or equivalent aerospace structural test facilities

Familiarity with LabVIEW, Omega, or similar control/data-acquisition systems. Experience applying and calibrating strain gauges and thermocouples. Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Pro/E) for interpreting fixture layouts.

Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal loading techniques, and aerospace materials testing. Soldering and crimping certifications (NASA-STD-8739 preferred). Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams or coordinate multi-disciplinary test efforts.Minimum Qualifications Master Engineering Support Technician / Lead Engineering Support Technician a) At least 15 years' experience and military technical school diploma or Associate Degree or greater, or b) At least 20 years' experience, or c) At least 10 years' experience and lead technician responsibilities in the assigned task(s)

Additional required competencies: Demonstrated proficiency in setup and operation of hydraulic and thermal test systems. Skilled in use of test-control and data-acquisition software, calibration procedures, and system troubleshooting. Strong understanding of mechanical structures, instrumentation wiring, and load-application principles.

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test plans. Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare reports and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. U.S

Citizenship required (NASA facility access). Preferred Qualifications Experience with NASA Armstrong or equivalent aerospace structural test facilities. Familiarity with LabVIEW, Omega, or similar control/data-acquisition systems.

Experience applying and calibrating strain gauges and thermocouples. Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Pro/E) for interpreting fixture layouts. Knowledge of cryogenic systems, thermal loading techniques, and aerospace materials testing.

Soldering and crimping certifications (NASA-STD-8739 preferred). Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams or coordinate multi-disciplinary test efforts.