Chemist Jobs in California
Chemist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductor materials, and environmental testing across experience levels from entry-level lab technicians through principal and senior research scientists. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Thermo Fisher Scientific have deep and lasting presences. Analytical chemistry, formulation chemistry, and process chemistry are consistently the most in-demand specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 66+ Chemist jobs
INTRODUCTION
Element has an opportunity for a Chemistry/Polymer Test Technician for testing, sample preparation and delivery/collection of samples and preparation of test reports.
SALARY
Salary: $27 - $31/hr DOE
Responsibilities
- Analysis of water-physical, chemical and microbiological parameters
- Analysis of ores and minerals
- Analysis of water, soil, aggregates, concrete and scale samples
- Operation of equipment like pH / EC / TDS meters, UV-visible spectrophotometers, ovens, furnaces, incubators, fusion machines
- Prepare the reagents, standard solution and ensure standardisation of the solution used in the laboratory
- Handling and storage all chemicals as per the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Managing the calibration of glass wares and the instruments
- Performance of qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests and analysis of other substances as per standard method
- Issue reports and receive samples to and from the respective entities
- Involvement in site and field testing with various international standards or in-house procedures
- Ensure work compliance to ISO 17025 requirements
- Coordinating with the other technicians in the team to carry out work as per the planning schedule
- Manual handling of samples
- General maintenance, cleaning and checking of equipment
- Working to all HSE standards
- Interaction with clients during witnessed testing
- Generating test reports for clients (data entry, quality assurance)
- Ensuring compliance to all Element Material Technology quality standards
- Driving to customer site to collect samples and/or conduct testing at their lab on a regular/daily basis
- Willing to assist in other activities from time to time that may be requested by the department manager to assist in the execution of Element Material Technology annual targets and budget
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Have a diploma/degree in chemistry with at least 2 years experience in similar role
- Experience with thermal analytical instruments such as DMA, DSC, TMA, TGA. Willing to get trained of instrumentation AND/OR
- Have chemistry background and be able to meet physical demand of repetitive work. Willing to get trained of instrumentation.
- Have the ability to work in teams under pressure and flexible to work different working hours (night/day) shifts if required or necessary
- Good English communication skills: reading, writing, speaking
- Good maths skills
- Knowledge and experience of safe operation of testing equipment and operating in an independent/chemistry/consultant laboratory
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.
While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.
Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
INTRODUCTION
Element has an opportunity for a Chemistry/Polymer Test Technician for testing, sample preparation and delivery/collection of samples and preparation of test reports.
SALARY
Salary: $27 - $31/hr DOE
Responsibilities
- Analysis of water-physical, chemical and microbiological parameters
- Analysis of ores and minerals
- Analysis of water, soil, aggregates, concrete and scale samples
- Operation of equipment like pH / EC / TDS meters, UV-visible spectrophotometers, ovens, furnaces, incubators, fusion machines
- Prepare the reagents, standard solution and ensure standardisation of the solution used in the laboratory
- Handling and storage all chemicals as per the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Managing the calibration of glass wares and the instruments
- Performance of qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests and analysis of other substances as per standard method
- Issue reports and receive samples to and from the respective entities
- Involvement in site and field testing with various international standards or in-house procedures
- Ensure work compliance to ISO 17025 requirements
- Coordinating with the other technicians in the team to carry out work as per the planning schedule
- Manual handling of samples
- General maintenance, cleaning and checking of equipment
- Working to all HSE standards
- Interaction with clients during witnessed testing
- Generating test reports for clients (data entry, quality assurance)
- Ensuring compliance to all Element Material Technology quality standards
- Driving to customer site to collect samples and/or conduct testing at their lab on a regular/daily basis
- Willing to assist in other activities from time to time that may be requested by the department manager to assist in the execution of Element Material Technology annual targets and budget
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Have a diploma/degree in chemistry with at least 2 years experience in similar role
- Experience with thermal analytical instruments such as DMA, DSC, TMA, TGA. Willing to get trained of instrumentation AND/OR
- Have chemistry background and be able to meet physical demand of repetitive work. Willing to get trained of instrumentation.
- Have the ability to work in teams under pressure and flexible to work different working hours (night/day) shifts if required or necessary
- Good English communication skills: reading, writing, speaking
- Good maths skills
- Knowledge and experience of safe operation of testing equipment and operating in an independent/chemistry/consultant laboratory
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.
While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.
Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
See All 66 Chemist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist JobsChemist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Revolution Medicines6
- Calico Life Sciences3
- Clean Harbors3
- University of California Merced3
- Applied Materials2
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals28
- Education10
- Science & Research6
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
- Medical Devices4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related physical science
- Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, or ICP-MS
- Familiarity with California-regulated environmental or pharmaceutical compliance standards
- Experience following Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice protocols
- Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with LIMS or laboratory software platforms
- Ability to write clear technical reports and communicate findings to cross-functional teams
Chemist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemist in California?
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related science is the standard entry point, and most California employers expect laboratory coursework and hands-on training. California does not require a state-issued license to work as a chemist, but roles in environmental testing labs may require analysts to meet California ELAP accreditation standards set by the State Water Resources Control Board. Gaining experience through university research programs or internships at Bay Area or San Diego biotech firms strengthens any application considerably.
How much do chemists make in California?
Chemists in California earn a median of about $97,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,930 for the lowest 10% to over $164,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chemists in California?
Employers hiring chemists in California right now include Revolution Medicines, Calico Life Sciences, and Clean Harbors, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and specialty chemical companies means openings appear across a wider range of employer types than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most chemist jobs?
Redwood City, San Diego, and South San Francisco account for the largest share of chemist openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego draw the most volume because of their established pharmaceutical and biotechnology clusters, while Los Angeles supports significant demand through its environmental consulting, consumer products, and specialty materials industries.
Are there remote chemist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most chemist work is hands-on and tied to a physical lab, so fully remote roles are a small portion of total openings. About 0% of chemist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in regulatory affairs, technical writing, and data-heavy roles like computational or analytical method development.
How can I get hired as a chemist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate scientist or laboratory technician roles, which California biotech and pharmaceutical employers routinely post as new-graduate positions. Companies like Genentech and Gilead run formal early-career or new-grad programs, and contract research organizations operating across the Bay Area and San Diego regularly hire entry-level analysts. A degree with strong lab coursework, a California ELAP-relevant certification for environmental roles, or undergraduate research experience at a University of California campus all give candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to chemist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chemist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 66 Chemist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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