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Laboratory Automation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Iff

Automation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Job Summary Are you passionate about advancing scientific discovery through laboratory automation and innovative technologies? IFF is a global leader in enzymes, ingredients, and health & biosciences.

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

$110K - $144K/yr

This role requires deep expertise in laboratory automation, engineering principles, scientific workflows, and biopharma research operations, combined with the ability to influence technical direction ...

Moderna Therapeutics

This role will define and execute the multi-year roadmap for automation, robotics, integrated laboratory systems, and digital workflows, ensuring solutions are scalable, compliant, and aligned with ...

Predicine, Inc

NGS Automation Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

Automation Engineer (Laboratory) - NGS / Liquid Biopsy Predicine is a Silicon Valley-based global precision medicine company committed to developing first- and best-in-class liquid biopsy cancer ...

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All JobsLaboratory Automation JobsLaboratory Automation Jobs in California

Laboratory Automation information

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$9

$24

$44

How much do laboratory automation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory automation 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 laboratory automation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Laboratory Automation, you need a solid background in laboratory sciences, automation technology, and process optimization, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), robotics, automated analyzers, and data analysis software is frequently required, and certifications like CLIA or specialized vendor training can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in dynamic lab settings and collaborate across teams. These skills ensure laboratory processes run efficiently, accurately, and safely, enabling high-throughput results critical for research and diagnostics.

What does a laboratory automation professional do?

A Laboratory Automation professional typically oversees the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated lab equipment and robotics. Daily tasks often include programming and calibrating instruments, ensuring data integrity, optimizing workflows, and supporting scientists and researchers with technical issues. Collaboration is key, as you’ll regularly coordinate with lab technicians, IT staff, and researchers to implement new automation solutions and improve laboratory efficiency. This role also involves routine documentation and reporting to maintain compliance with industry standards. Staying proactive and resourceful is crucial for identifying and resolving potential system bottlenecks and ensuring smooth laboratory operations.

What is a laboratory automation?

A Laboratory Automation job involves designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems to streamline laboratory workflows. Professionals in this field work with robotics, software, and instrumentation to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility in experiments. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and IT specialists to develop solutions for high-throughput screening, data management, and sample processing. This role is essential in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics, where automation enhances research and testing capabilities.

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Automation jobs in California? For Laboratory Automation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Automation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Automation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Laboratory Automation jobs? Cities in California with the most Laboratory Automation job openings:
Laboratory Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Automation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Field Service Engineer - Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation

SURPLUS SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS LLC

Murrieta, CA • On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description


Field Service Engineer – Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation

Company: Surplus Solutions LLC
Locations:

  • Southern California

Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Manager, Technical Services
Travel Requirement: ~70–80% regional and nationwide travel


Position Summary

Surplus Solutions LLC is seeking motivated and customer-focused Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to support liquid handling and laboratory automation systems across customer sites throughout the United States.

This role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience servicing, troubleshooting, installing, or operating automated liquid handling platforms such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Agilent, or similar laboratory automation systems.

The Field Service Engineer will serve as a front-line technical representative responsible for instrument installations, preventative maintenance, repairs, upgrades, customer training, and overall customer satisfaction. Candidates should be comfortable working independently in fast-paced laboratory environments while supporting complex electromechanical and software-driven systems.


Key Responsibilities

  • Install, configure, commission, and qualify laboratory automation and liquid handling systems at customer sites.
  • Perform preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades on supported instrumentation.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, fluidic, pneumatic, robotic, and software-related issues.
  • Support automated liquid handling platforms including robotic pipetting systems, plate handlers, integrated devices, and laboratory workflow automation.
  • Calibrate and verify instrument performance according to manufacturer or internal specifications.
  • Provide customer training on instrument operation, maintenance procedures, and best practices.
  • Document all service activities including service reports, diagnostics,partsusage, and corrective actions.
  • Maintain strong customer relationships through professional communication and responsive technical support.
  • Coordinate with internal engineering,logistics, and technical support teams to resolve escalated issues.
  • Support equipment refurbishments, installations, validations, and field upgrades asrequired.
  • Follow all laboratory safety, quality, and customer compliance procedures.
  • Travel extensively to customer sites throughout assigned regions and occasionally nationwide.


Required Qualifications

  • Associate’sorBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Automation, Robotics, or related technical field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • 2+ years of experience supporting laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or analytical laboratory instrumentation.
  • Experience troubleshooting electromechanical systems and laboratory automation equipment.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and technical problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable working independently in customer-facing environments.
  • Strong communicationand documentation skills.
  • Ability to travel extensively andmaintaina flexible travel schedule.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel by air domestically.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Agilent Bravo,Opentrons, or other automated liquid handling platforms.
  • Experience servicing robotic systems, automatedworkcells, or integrated laboratory automation systems.
  • Familiarity with:
  • Pipetting systems
  • Robotic arms and gantries
  • Barcode readers
  • Plate movers
  • Incubators
  • Stackers
  • Integrated automation devices
  • Experience with OEM field service processes and documentation.
  • Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments including GMP, GLP, clinical, pharmaceutical, or biotech settings.
  • Experience using service management platforms such as Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
  • PreviousOEM or third-partyfield servicetraining/certifications preferred.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with companymatch.
  • Company-paid travel expensesincludingairfare, hotels, rental cars, mileage, and per diem.
  • Company laptop, tools, and service equipment.
  • Opportunities for career growth within a rapidly expanding technical service organization.
  • Exposure to a wide variety of advanced laboratory automation technologies and customer environments.