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Lab Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amat

Senior Manager - Lab Operations

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$158K - $218K/yr

Will be responsible for leading lab operation activities including but not limited to Tool installation for all SCLA labs including EPIC lab. * Lead strategic initiatives to improve velocity and ...

Nvidia

Lab Operations Site Supervisor

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

We are seeking a highly motivated Lab Operations Site Supervisor in the System Products Engineering Team to be in charge of driving requirements for NVIDIA's datacenter bench and rack engineering ...

Personalis, Inc

Supervisor, Lab Operations

Fremont, CA

$72.10 - $81.70/hr

In our lab, we foster a positive, friendly, and team-based environment. We all pitch in to achieve our common goals and support each other. You'll work in a dynamic atmosphere, gaining hands-on ...

Personalis, Inc

Supervisor, Lab Operations

Fremont, CA · On-site

$72.10 - $81.70/hr

In our lab, we foster a positive, friendly, and team-based environment. We all pitch in to achieve our common goals and support each other. You'll work in a dynamic atmosphere, gaining hands-on ...

Apple

Lab Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

Lab Operations & Asset ManagementOversee all aspects of EE lab operations including equipment, calibration, tools, materials, and device allocationTrack lab assets, maintenance schedules, and ...

Etched

Mechanical Operations Lab Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop equipment, including manual/CNC mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws, chop saws, sheet metal ...

Etched

Mechanical Operations Lab Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop equipment, including manual/CNC mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws, chop saws, sheet metal ...

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Lab Operations information

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How much do lab operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 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 is the highest paying laboratory job?

The highest paying laboratory jobs are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Principal Investigators, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

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 does a lab operator do?

A lab operator is responsible for managing laboratory equipment, preparing samples, following safety protocols, and recording data accurately. They often use tools like microscopes, pipettes, and lab information management systems (LIMS) to ensure proper testing and analysis. Attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures are essential in this role.

What do lab operations do?

Lab operations involve managing the daily functions of a laboratory, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, safety compliance, and process optimization. Professionals in this field ensure that laboratory activities run efficiently, accurately, and safely, often using tools like laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

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.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI can automate certain tasks in lab operations, such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace lab technicians who perform hands-on experiments, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure safety. Human oversight remains essential for complex decision-making, quality control, and maintaining laboratory standards. Lab technicians will continue to adapt by working alongside AI tools and developing skills in digital and technical competencies.

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
Senior Manager - Lab Operations

Senior Manager - Lab Operations

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$158K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Applied Materials rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$158,500.00 - $218,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Will be responsible for leading lab operation activities including but not limited to Tool installation for all SCLA labs including EPIC lab.
  • Lead strategic initiatives to improve velocity and productivity for Semiconductor Tool Installation and other aspects of Semiconductor lab operations.
  • Lead strategic programs and initiatives to create dashboards and improve effective communication to executives.
  • Drive facilities tool installation, sub fab abatement equipment, Gas delivery systems, Lab safety and evacuations with proactive planning, contract management strategies & solutions.
  • Provide technical guidance when needed to resolve technical challenges for facilities & BU and drive cost efficiency.
  • Drive ownership & accountability for Business Units, facilities and other cross-functional teams.
  • Lead contract management & Vendor Management strategies to drive long term solutions and cost savings.
  • Ensures that strategic project and program objectives are defined for areas of responsibility, and that necessary preliminary activities (e.g., determination of outcomes, milestones, viability studies, and resource planning, among others) are completed to allow for effectiveness and focus during later stages of completion.
  • Ensures that all projects and programs assigned are completed in accordance with predetermined requirements, with specific attention to product/process specifications, project/program costs, resource utilization, and timeliness for completion.
  • Ensure that all phases of project, program and/or process development are documented and that information required in other functional areas is reported, disseminated, or transferred, as appropriate.
  • Responsible for departmental budgets and spending requirements. Ensures that the utilization of all material and financial resources is carried out in an effective manner.
  • Effectively assigns work to subordinate staff, providing for professional development in addition to maximum productivity for the area. Responsible for conducting appraisals, feedback & handling work allocations for direct reports and approving the same for indirect reports.
  • Spearheads research and development of new technologies, as appropriate, and ensures that newly created processes, designs, and/or methodologies are incorporated into Applied Materials products/services, and/or disseminated to other areas as needed.
  • Responsible for overseeing the development, support, maintenance and implementation of all projects handled by the BU/ technology group through lower-level managers.
  • A leadership position, responsible for identifying functional linkages across the organization and developing appropriate processes and road maps for the BU/ technology group including hiring plans, training requirements, staffing etc.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Education
The ideal candidate will have the following:
  • 10+ years of experience in the field of construction, contract Management, Business operations, and any other operations related field.
  • 5+ years' experience leading multi-location organizations for a technology company.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Finance or Business Management.
  • Experience with all aspects of the facility life cycle - plan, transact, design, build and operate.
  • Demonstrated track record for driving continuous improvements with a view to improving operations performance and cost efficacy.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading and collaborating with virtual teams in a multi-national organization.
  • A strong knowledge of facilities systems and operations will be a plus for this role.
  • Demonstrated collaboration skills across own organization and partner organizations (IT, Procurement, Facilities, Security, Finance, Legal etc.) to drive and deliver exceptional service. Ability to influence cross-functional teams.
  • Understands the commercial dynamics of wide spectrum of facilities-related service and equipment providers.

Functional Knowledge
  • Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of concepts and principles within own job family and knowledge of other related job families

Business Expertise
  • Applies in-depth understanding of how own discipline integrates within the segment/function

Leadership
  • Manages multiple related teams, sets organizational priorities and allocates resources

Problem Solving
  • Identifies and resolves complex technical, operational and organizational problems

Impact
  • Impacts the business results of a team or area by supporting and funding of projects, products, services and/or technologies and developing policies and plans
  • Guided by business unit, department or sub-functional business plans

Interpersonal Skills
  • Influences others internally and externally, including senior management

To succeed in this role requires a capacity for complexity and temperament that includes:
  • A strategy driven leader.
  • A very mature individual with the right balance of confidence and humility
  • High energy and enthusiasm to drive exceptional business outcomes
  • Process oriented while also strongly developing and relying on interpersonal relationships across the company
  • Ability to connect equally well upwards, downwards and sideways in the organization
  • Self-motivated and driven towards excellence
  • An inspiring leader
  • Situational awareness and decision-making ability appropriate for the situation

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
No
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

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