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Manager Lab Operations Jobs in Santa Monica, CA (NOW HIRING)

IQVIA

Lab Operations Associate

Valencia, CA · On-site

$25K - $52K/mo

We are seeking Lab Operations Associate to join IQVIA Laboratories at Valencia, CA. We hire ... Perform administrative duties and maintain an organized work area in line with management ...

AmSpec Group

Assistant Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

Job Summary Responsible for assisting with operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing ...

Amspec LLC.

Assistant Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA

Job Summary Responsible for assisting with operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing ...

Serendipity Labs

Operations Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Contribute lab social media content to central marketing and producing content for member ... Manage the stock levels and ordering of consumables being mindful of budget targets and controlling ...

Serendipity Labs

Operations Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Contribute lab social media content to central marketing and producing content for member ... Manage the stock levels and ordering of consumables being mindful of budget targets and controlling ...

Serendipity Labs

Operations Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Contribute lab social media content to central marketing and producing content for member ... Manage the stock levels and ordering of consumables being mindful of budget targets and controlling ...

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All JobsLab Operations JobsManager Lab Operations JobsManager Lab Operations Jobs in Santa Monica, CA

Manager Lab Operations information

See Santa Monica, CA salary details

$34.8K

$71.2K

$133K

How much do manager lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager lab operations in Santa Monica, CA is $71,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Santa Monica, CA are hiring for Manager Lab Operations jobs? Cities near Santa Monica, CA with the most Manager Lab Operations job openings:
Manager Lab Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Lab Operations job openings in Santa Monica, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,230 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Environmental Test Lab Manager

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About This Role 

Varda is building the infrastructure for in-space manufacturing and routine return from orbit. As Environmental Test Lab Manager, you will lead the facilities responsible for proving our spacecraft can survive launch, spaceflight, and return to Earth. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on executing fast, rigorous environmental test campaigns that keep flight hardware moving and missions on track.

Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day environmental test lab operations for spacecraft and vehicle hardware
  • Plan and execute vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum test campaigns
  • Partner with design, production, integration, and mission teams to define test requirements and priorities
  • Build and improve lab processes, procedures, safety practices, and test readiness standards
  • Manage lab technicians and test engineers while driving high standards for execution and documentation
  • Own equipment readiness, calibration, maintenance, and lab capacity planning
  • Support anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and test report generation
  • Coordinate outside test support when needed

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of environmental test experience on aerospace or other high-reliability hardware
  • Experience with vibe, shock, thermal cycling, and TVAC testing
  • Strong leadership, organization, and cross-functional communication skills
  • Ability to move quickly and make sound decisions around flight hardware

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience testing spacecraft, reentry systems, or launch vehicle hardware
  • Familiarity with qualification and acceptance testing in aerospace
  • Background with additional test methods such as EMI/EMC, acoustics, leak, or pressure testing
  • Experience scaling lab operations in a fast-paced hardware company
    Pay Range
    • Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000/per year
    • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
    • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
    • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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