ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

nEye.ai

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with rigor while also ...

nEye.ai

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA

$45 - $55/hr

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with rigor while also ...

nEye.ai

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA

$45 - $55/hr

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with rigor while also ...

Vishay

Photolithography Lab Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Photolithography Lab Supervisor Pay Range: $20-23 /hourly + 10% shift differential Job Location: Vishay Applied Thin Film Products is in Fremont, CA. What you will be doing: * Work hands-on in a fast ...

Natera

Histology Lab Operator II

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Histology Lab Operator II is a member of the Histopathy Department responsible for assisting HT/HTLs in analyzing specimens and maintaining equipment in good condition. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Natera

Histology Lab Operator II

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$27.19 - $33.98/hr

The Histology Lab Operator II is a member of the Histopathy Department responsible for assisting HT/HTLs in analyzing specimens and maintaining equipment in good condition. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES ...

Nestle

Operator Laboratory- Relief

Modesto, CA

$25.13/hr

The Lab Operator responsabilities include to test and standardize all finished product prior to canning or bulk shipment, using the mojonnier testing method, to assure that all product meets minimum ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab Operator JobsLab Operator Jobs in California

Lab Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do lab operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operator 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 a lab operator?

Lab operators are professionals responsible for managing and conducting day-to-day operations in laboratories. Their duties typically include setting up and maintaining lab equipment, preparing samples, running experiments, recording data, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are met. Lab operators may work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, research, or environmental testing. They often collaborate with scientists and other technicians to support research projects and product development.

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

To thrive as a Lab Operator, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and relevant scientific principles, often supported by a degree or certification in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data management systems, and specialized software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help Lab Operators ensure accuracy and collaborate effectively with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, quality control, and reliable results in laboratory environments.

What are some typical challenges a lab operator might face on a daily basis, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Operators often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, maintaining strict safety protocols, and ensuring precise calibration of equipment. It can be demanding to balance these tasks while meeting deadlines and adhering to quality standards. To address these challenges, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with team members are essential. Proactively reporting equipment malfunctions and participating in regular training sessions also help maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Lab Operator vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab OperatorLab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, quality control, production settingsResearch labs, clinical labs, industrial testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food productionHealthcare, research institutions, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsSimilar roles in laboratory settings, career pathways

Lab Operators and Lab Technicians often work in laboratory environments, but Lab Operators typically focus on operating equipment and monitoring processes in manufacturing or production settings. Lab Technicians usually perform testing, analysis, and data recording in research or clinical labs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and specific duties differ, making it important to understand these distinctions when exploring career options.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Operator jobs in California?

For Lab Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Operator jobs in California are:

Lab Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

nEye.ai
See more jobs at nEye.aiexternal

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

About us
nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.
Job Overview
We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with rigor while also applying judgment to the data they observe.
You will be responsible for running wafer-level tests and operating advanced metrology systems, but just as importantly, you will serve as a first line of defense for data quality, for example identifying anomalies, spotting inconsistencies, and flagging issues to engineering.
This role is ideal for someone who has spent years working hands-on with high-end optical systems or metrology tools, understands the scale and precision involved, and knows when something "doesn't look right."
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate and support wafer-level test setups for silicon photonics and MEMS-based devices
  • Load wafers, execute test sequences, and ensure consistent, high-quality test execution
  • Work with high-precision optical and metrology equipment to collect measurement data
  • Perform optical alignment and fiber-based test setups as needed
  • Monitor test outputs and identify anomalies, drift, or unexpected behavior in data
  • Proactively flag irregularities to engineers, providing clear observations and context
  • Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis of failures
  • Maintain and calibrate lab equipment to ensure accuracy and repeatability
  • Accurately document test procedures, results, and observations
  • Support engineers in debugging, validation, and test optimization efforts
  • Contribute to improving lab workflows, test processes, and overall data quality

Required Qualifications
  • Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
  • Equivalent hands-on industry experience is highly valued; a formal degree is not required for this role
  • Strong hands-on experience with single mode fiber optics
  • Experience working in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments
  • Experience operating high-end metrology or measurement equipment
  • Background in wafer-level testing, semiconductor environments, or advanced hardware labs
  • Proven ability to execute structured test procedures with consistency and accuracy
  • Experience identifying test anomalies, system issues, or data inconsistencies
  • Familiarity with lab instrumentation (e.g., optical setups, oscilloscopes, power meters, etc.)
  • Comfortable working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex procedures

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with silicon photonics or optical device testing
  • Experience working with laser systems, optical alignment, or fiber coupling
  • Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices
  • Experience supporting R&D or early-stage product development environments

$45 - $55 an hour
Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant industry experience, skills, training, education, market demands, and the ultimate job duties and requirements.
nEye.ai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Apply