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Lab Support Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Network Support Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

Network Support Engineer As a Senior Network Engineer, you will directly interact with customers ... Reproduce customer issues in lab environments and verify software behavior * Contribute to KBs ...

The Automation Support Engineer maximizes customer satisfaction by performing field service ... lab. In addition, the ASE will provide timely, high quality service operations and a maintain a ...

The Automation Support Engineer maximizes customer satisfaction by performing field service ... lab. In addition, the ASE will provide timely, high quality service operations and a maintain a ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

... and lab and operational demonstrations. The role supports cross-functional teams to integrate ... Support systems engineering execution on complex technical programs by coordinating requirements ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lab Support Engineer information

See California salary details

$16

$47

$71

How much do lab support engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab support engineer in California is $47.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.30 and $59.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, senior roles such as Laboratory Director or Chief Scientific Officer tend to be the highest-paying careers, often requiring advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions oversee laboratory operations, research, and compliance, and typically command higher salaries compared to support or technician roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Support Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Support Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, electronics, and troubleshooting, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with laboratory management software, remote monitoring tools, and hands-on experience with hardware and networking systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in diagnosing issues and collaborating with engineering teams. These skills ensure efficient lab operations, minimize downtime, and support the development and testing of new technologies.

What is the difference between Lab Support Engineer vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab Support EngineerLab Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or engineering, certifications may varyAssociate's degree or diploma in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlClinical, research, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, biotech firmsHospitals, research institutions, industrial labs

Lab Support Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on supporting laboratory operations, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring process efficiency. Lab Technicians usually have an associate degree and perform routine testing and sample analysis. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in education requirements and scope of responsibilities.

What are the typical daily tasks and team interactions for a Lab Support Engineer?

As a Lab Support Engineer, your daily tasks often include maintaining and troubleshooting lab equipment, setting up test environments, and assisting engineers with hardware and software configurations. You'll regularly collaborate with development and QA teams to ensure the lab environment meets testing requirements and that any issues are promptly resolved. Communication and organizational skills are essential, as you may need to manage multiple requests simultaneously while maintaining accurate documentation of lab activities. The role offers a dynamic work environment, often requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

What are Lab Support Engineers?

Lab Support Engineers are technical professionals responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting laboratory equipment, systems, and environments, often in IT, research, or engineering labs. They ensure that lab hardware, software, and network resources are functioning optimally, and assist users with technical issues. Their duties can also include installing new equipment, managing inventories, and supporting lab experiments or testing processes. These engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that the laboratory operates efficiently and safely. They often collaborate with researchers, IT staff, and other engineers to deliver technical support and solutions.

What is a lab support engineer?

A lab support engineer is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, ensuring proper operation for research or testing purposes. They often work with technical tools, follow safety protocols, and may assist with equipment calibration and data collection. Strong technical skills and knowledge of laboratory procedures are essential for this role.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often work in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.
Infographic showing various Lab Support Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,360 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Lab Operations Manager - Server CPU & Data Center SoCs

Lab Operations Manager - Server CPU & Data Center SoCs

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Technical Support Engineering
General Summary:
The Manager of Lab Operations will provide technical and operational leadership for post-silicon Power and Performance validation labs supporting Qualcomm Server CPU products. This role oversees the lab ecosystem enabling system, silicon, firmware, and software engineering teams across multiple sites.
The Manager is accountable for lab support execution, scale, and compliance, while ensuring hands-on technical rigor in system bring-up, platform validation, and board-level debug. This role leads lab operations teams and partners closely with engineering leadership to accelerate product readiness and silicon learning.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Lab Leadership
  • Own the global lab operations strategy for Server CPU and data-center SoC validation environments
  • Align lab capabilities, capacity planning, and investments with server CPU product roadmaps and post-silicon milestones
  • Act as the senior lab operations interface to Silicon, System, Firmware, Software, and Program leadership

People & Organizational Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop lab operations team including senior technicians, and lab staff
  • Establish operating rhythms, escalation paths, and performance expectations for lab teams
  • Manage work priority and resource allocation to achieve team's goals and objectives
  • Build a culture of accountability, safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement

Post-Silicon & Platform Enablement
  • Ensure readiness and availability of lab environments supporting:
    • Server CPU bring-up and validation
    • Platform-level electrical, functional, and system validation
  • Provide technical oversight for:
    • System builds, deployments, and configuration (FW, BIOS, OS)
    • Advanced board-level debug and rework when required
  • Partner with validation and design teams on failure analysis, power measurement, and root-cause investigations

Lab Infrastructure & Asset Governance
  • Own lab infrastructure, tooling strategy, and modernization plans
  • Oversee procurement, deployment, and lifecycle management of:
    • Data-center-class servers and platforms
    • Peripherals needed for lab support such as cables, tools, PSU, PDUs and etc.
    • High-value lab equipment and instrumentation
  • Establish strong asset tracking, inventory control, and cost discipline

Security, Access & Compliance
  • Own lab access governance, audits, and security controls
  • Ensure compliance with corporate safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal audits
  • Serve as executive owner for lab safety programs and readiness reviews

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred
  • Equivalent practical experience considered

Experience
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in electronics labs, hardware validation, or lab operations
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing large lab environments supporting silicon or server platforms
  • Proven experience supporting Server CPU, SoC, or data-center platform development

Technical Depth
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Server CPU and SoC-based system architectures
    • Linux CLI on any open source OS
    • Firmware, BIOS, and operating system bring-up
  • Deep experience with:
    • FPGA and flash programming
    • Advanced board-level rework (including BGA)
    • Platform-level debug (power delivery, sequencing, clocks, power measurement)
  • Hands-on familiarity with modern lab equipment:
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Logic and protocol analyzers
  • Strong background in data-center server hardware strongly preferred

Applicants: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$111,200.00 - $166,800.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985