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Manager Lab Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amat

Director, EPIC Lab Operations

Santa Clara, CA

$164K - $225K/yr

The Director, Lab Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end lab operations to ensure safe ... The Operations Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of accountability, continuous ...

Actalent

Lab Operations Specialist

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

Lab Operations Specialist The Lab Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between internal ... Support management in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing and increasing the ...

TEKsystems

Lab Operations Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$70 - $75/hr

Description We are seeking a Lab Operations Engineer to support the bring-up, validation ... Install, configure, and validate firmware, BIOS, BMC, and hardware management components. Execute ...

TEKsystems

Lab Operations Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$70 - $75/hr

Description We are seeking a Lab Operations Engineer to support the bring-up, validation ... Install, configure, and validate firmware, BIOS, BMC, and hardware management components. Execute ...

TEKsystems

Lab Operations Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$70 - $75/hr

Description We are seeking a Lab Operations Engineer to support the bring-up, validation ... Install, configure, and validate firmware, BIOS, BMC, and hardware management components. Execute ...

TEKsystems

Lab Operations Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Description We are seeking a Lab Operations Engineer to support the bring-up, validation ... Install, configure, and validate firmware, BIOS, BMC, and hardware management components. Execute ...

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Manager Lab Operations information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do manager lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager lab operations in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manager lab operations?

A Manager Lab Operations is responsible for overseeing the daily activities and overall functioning of a laboratory. They ensure that lab processes run smoothly, manage staff, maintain safety standards, and handle budgeting and resource allocation. Their role often includes implementing policies, streamlining workflows, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential in this role, as they coordinate with scientists, technicians, and administrative personnel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager lab operations?

To thrive as a Manager Lab Operations, you need a solid background in laboratory science, operational management, and quality assurance, usually supported by a relevant science degree and experience in lab supervision. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance standards (such as CLIA or CAP), and process improvement methodologies is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help foster team performance and ensure smooth lab operations. These competencies are vital for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and efficiency in high-stakes laboratory environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a manager lab operations, and how can they be addressed?

Managers of Lab Operations often face challenges such as balancing resource allocation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high-quality standards across multiple projects. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance, research staff, and safety officers, are vital for resolving issues quickly. Implementing robust process documentation and regular training sessions can help address these challenges and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the lab setting.

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 cities in California are hiring for Manager Lab Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Lab Operations job openings:

Manager Lab Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Lab Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Director, EPIC Lab Operations

Santa Clara, CA

Amat
See more jobs at Amatexternal

$164K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end lab operations to ensure safe, high-quality, and efficient production execution.

  • Oversee daily performance across Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO), including production control and cleanroom activities.

  • Coordinate with engineering and customers to meet operational objectives and resolve issues.

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:

$164,000.00 - $225,500.00

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.

The Director, Lab Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end lab operations to ensure safe, high-quality, and efficient production execution. This role drives daily performance across Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO), oversees cleanroom and production control activities, and partners with engineering and customers to meet operational objectives. The Operations Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Output Execution

  • Drive achievement of daily, weekly, and quarterly production targets.
  • Maximize equipment utilization by ensuring tools are effectively run when available (UTP).
  • Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to maintain throughput.

Quality Management

  • Ensure adherence to strict quality standards to protect wafer integrity throughout all processes.
  • Promote a "product-as-customer" mindset, reinforcing ownership of quality at every operational step.
  • Prevent contamination, defects, and handling-related damage through disciplined execution.

Operations Oversight

  • Lead and oversee 24/7 lab operations, including:
    • Production Control Center (PCC) activities (staffed per shift)
    • Cleanroom floor operations through Team Leaders and Clean Room Operators (CROs)
  • Ensure alignment and seamless coordination between operations, engineering, and support teams.

Customer/Tenant Engagement

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customer and tenant concerns related to lab operations.
  • Ensure timely issue resolution, transparent communication, and follow-through on corrective actions.

Incident Investigation & Problem Solving

  • Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys and 8D.
  • Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence of issues.

Performance Management & Reporting

  • Monitor and ensure achievement of daily Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO) targets.
  • Provide clear, data-driven explanations for deviations, including root cause and recovery plans.
  • Report operational performance, risks, and improvements to the Fab Manager.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Participate in Change Review Boards (CRBs) as required.
  • Lead weekly production meetings with Engineering to review tool status, performance, and priorities.
  • Collaborate with business units and stakeholders to support operational goals.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Practices

  • Apply Lean principles through Gemba (go-and-see) practices to observe operations firsthand.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement across teams.

  • Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or similar environments
  • Proven leadership experience managing operations teams in a high-volume or R&D fab setting
  • Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent)
  • Strong leadership and team management skills in a 24/7 operational environment
  • Deep understanding of lab operations, equipment utilization, and production control
  • Expertise in problem-solving methodologies (5 Whys, 8D, RCA)
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Data-driven decision-making and performance management
  • Strong customer focus and ability to manage escalations effectively

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 25% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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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