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Lab Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Test Lab Coordinator

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

ABOUT THE JOB We are seeking a Lab Coordinator to own logistics and flow coordination that keep ETC operating at maximum throughput across all test domains. The coordinator will serve as the central ...

Chemtrade Logistics

Lab Technician

Richmond, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Lab Technician will support and assist the Plant Manager in operating the facility in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, produce and ship on time the highest quality products at the ...

Natera

Clinical Lab Associate I

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Assists in testing of patient samples according to standard operating procedure in an efficient ... Responsible for maintaining updated understanding and knowledge of methods performed in the lab

Kelly Services

Lab Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Payrate: $30-35/hr Shift Differential (M-F after 6pm + weekends): $36-$41/hr The Laboratory Technician supports hands-on clinical training labs by preparing, operating, and maintaining lab ...

Chemtrade

Lab Technician

Richmond, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

The Lab Technician will support and assist the Plant Manager in operating the facility in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, produce and ship on time the highest quality products at the ...

Chemtrade

Lab Technician

Richmond, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

The Lab Technician will support and assist the Plant Manager in operating the facility in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, produce and ship on time the highest quality products at the ...

Chemtrade

Lab Technician

Richmond, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Lab Technician will support and assist the Plant Manager in operating the facility in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, produce and ship on time the highest quality products at the ...

PML

Lab Sampler/Driver

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Lab Sampler/Driver Reports to: Logistics Dept. Location: Irvine, CA Company Description PML ... Follow laboratory's standard operating procedures * Drop off samples to the testing laboratory

Sierra Proto Express

Wet Lab Technician

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

The Wet Lab Technician is responsible for maintaining wet process chemistry for optimum process ... Train operators and document in a timely manner. * Inform Managers and/or engineers of any ...

RAVE Aerospace LLC

Test Lab Technician I

Brea, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Test Lab Technician I, under limited supervision, performs a variety of tasks in the System ... Basic knowledge of software operating systems, such as Windows and Linux is desirable Benefits The ...

Sierra Circuits inc.

Wet Lab Technician

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

The Wet Lab Technician is responsible for maintaining wet process chemistry for optimum process ... Train operators and document in a timely manner. * Inform Managers and/or engineers of any ...

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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.

Test Lab Coordinator

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Anduril Industriesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 77,017 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Enterprise Test Capabilities (ETC) develops, operates, and scales the shared physical test infrastructure, technical expertise, and execution systems required to validate Anduril's products across the company. The team provides specialized testing that is capital-intensive, technically complex, safety-critical, or broadly reusable across multiple programs, spanning environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock, HALT, TVAC), battery testing (cell/module/pack characterization, abuse testing, BMS validation), propulsion testing (engine test cells, thrust/torque measurement, fuel/feed systems), aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel operations, flow visualization, force/moment measurement), and structural testing. We partner with product test teams from early development through qualification and sustainment to identify technical risk, select appropriate test methods, execute testing safely, and generate trusted engineering evidence. The test operations team within ETC owns the lab facilities, equipment fleet, calibration program, and operational support team that keeps this diverse test enterprise running.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a Lab Coordinator to own logistics and flow coordination that keep ETC operating at maximum throughput across all test domains. The coordinator will serve as the central nervous system of ETC operations, responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of the test lab. The Lab coordinator is responsible for resource planning, executing on resource plans, and documentation.  

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Monitor, track, and move equipment as required through ETC lab to ensure efficient lab operations
  • Coordinate physical movement of parts through equipment onboarding, stocking, purchasing, and any applicable work center.
  • Coordinate off-site processing to ensure on time delivery as required.
  • MEP data remains clean and accurate.
  • Assist with resolution of inventory inaccuracies to help supply planning and dev test teams meet expected demand schedules
  • Support management of calibrated equipment and lab readiness for AS9100 audit.
  • Champion shop organization
  • Coordinate haz waste scheduling, acting as a safety EHS liaison
  • Support test lab in maintaining the workspaces, including managing consumables, office supplies, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance. 
  • Assist test engineers with various operational tasks supporting engineering activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • Must be able to lift and move items of 20 pounds or more on a regular basis and repetitively lift weights on raised surfaces.
  • Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop on a frequent basis and for extended periods
  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Strong computer skills, familiar with the full suite of MS Office products.
  • Strong organizational skills for accurate inventory management.
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to compliance, safety, and quality standards
  • Must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or granted refugee/asylee status)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, shipping, or logistics environment
  • Experience with MRP/ERP/MES (Netsuite, Oracle, or equivalent system)
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations and laboratory safety requirements, including hazard identification, PPE standards, and compliance in physical test environments.
  • Experience using ticketing systems (e.g., JIRA) to manage operational workflows, maintenance requests, and team task tracking.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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