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Lab Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Etched

Lab Operations Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Job Summary Etched is looking for a Lab Operations Manager to own the day-to-day operational backbone of our Platforms Validation lab. This is a hands-on operational role reporting to the Head of Lab ...

Apple

Lab Operations Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$103K - $201K/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 ...

Etched

Lab Operations Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Job Summary Etched is looking for a Lab Operations Manager to own the day-to-day operational backbone of our Platforms Validation lab. This is a hands-on operational role reporting to the Head of Lab ...

Dolby

Lab Operations Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

This role sits at the intersection of Technical Support, Lab Operations, and Project Coordination-aka, you'll be right in the middle of the action, helping keep our labs running smoothly while ...

Actalent

Lab Operations Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Operations Specialist The Lab Operations Specialist provides on-site laboratory support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This role oversees shipping and receiving, inventory management ...

Actalent

Lab Operations Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Operations Specialist The Lab Operations Specialist provides on-site laboratory support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This role oversees shipping and receiving, inventory management ...

Amat

Manager - FIB Lab Operations

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Lead lab operations management including tracking and analyzing key operational metrics, identifying and implementing new metrics to drive lab performance, strategizing and executing workflow ...

Amat

Manager - FIB Lab Operations

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Lead lab operations management including tracking and analyzing key operational metrics, identifying and implementing new metrics to drive lab performance, strategizing and executing workflow ...

Genalyte

Facilities & Lab Operations Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Position Summary The Facilities & Lab Operations Manager ensures the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of Genalyte's facilities, controlled environments, and critical equipment in support of a ...

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Lab Operations information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do lab operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lab Operations, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, quality control, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), instrumentation calibration, and regulatory standards like GLP or ISO is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure smooth workflow and collaboration within the lab. These competencies are crucial for maintaining accurate results, regulatory compliance, and efficient lab functioning.

What is the difference between Lab Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing lab workflows, managing staff, and ensuring complianceHands-on testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, clinical labs, and industrial settings for management rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and industrial laboratories for technical tasks

Lab Operations professionals focus on managing laboratory workflows, staff, and compliance, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians perform hands-on testing and sample analysis, typically with an associate degree or certification. While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Lab Operations roles are more managerial and oversight-oriented, whereas Laboratory Technicians are more technical and operational.

What are Lab Operations?

Lab Operations refers to the processes, systems, and people responsible for ensuring that a laboratory runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes managing equipment, supplies, safety protocols, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. Those working in lab operations may coordinate experiments, maintain instruments, oversee inventory, and support researchers or scientists. The goal is to create a safe and organized environment that enables scientific work to be carried out effectively and in compliance with industry standards.

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

Professionals in lab operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory and equipment calibration, and ensuring smooth workflow coordination among team members. Staying organized and implementing standardized protocols can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, strong communication skills and regular training support efficient collaboration between scientists, technicians, and support staff, which is crucial for minimizing errors and maintaining a productive lab environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations jobs in California? For Lab Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Operations jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Operations job openings:
Lab Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Lab Operations Engineer

Lab Operations Engineer

Apple

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 667 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple's silicon engineering labs are where breakthrough ideas meet rigorous validation. 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 work hands-on with a diverse range of state-of-the-art instrumentation - from oscilloscopes and bit-error-rate testers to vector network analyzers and optical systems - enabling the teams around you to gain confidence in results and push performance. If you thrive on solving practical engineering problems, keeping complex systems in top shape, and collaborating across disciplines, this is the role for you.
Description
The Lab Operations Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of test equipment and board setups across a semiconductor test lab, including setup, teardown, maintenance, calibration, and logistics. This role deploys and supports a variety of automated and manual tests - spanning high-speed signal measurements, RF characterization, optics, and scripted validation flows - while maintaining lab standards for safety, organization, and operational efficiency. The engineer works closely with design, validation, and operations to troubleshoot issues, keep equipment calibrated and available, and drive continuous improvement in lab processes.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
Preferred Qualifications
BSEE or related engineering degree with 5+ years of relevant lab experience
Familiarity with MacOS, Linux, and Windows environments
Basic understanding of Unix/shell environments and command-line tools
Working knowledge of Python
Ability to read schematics and board layout files to identify component placement
Understanding of various electronic components and their form factors
Strong organizational, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills
Hands-on experience with high-speed signal integrity and RF measurement equipment
Scripting and automation experience beyond basic Python (e.g., GPIB/VISA instrument control)
Experience with AI-assisted coding tools or agents
Soldering and PCB rework skills
Experience with optical test equipment (tunable lasers, OSAs, optical power meters) and silicon photonics measurement techniques such as fiber-to-chip coupling and photonic device characterization
Familiarity with optical probe stations, fiber alignment systems, and photonic GDS layout interpretation
Basic understanding of networked equipment and TCP/IP concepts
Familiarity with root-cause analysis and failure documentation practices

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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