Lab Technician Jobs in California
Lab Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and environmental testing from entry-level associates through senior scientists. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers like Genentech, Quest Diagnostics, and Kaiser Permanente maintain significant lab operations. Molecular diagnostics, quality control, and clinical chemistry are the specialties drawing the most consistent California demand right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
The ideal candidate brings a mechanical aptitude, a methodical approach to hands-on work, and a collaborative attitude. You thrive in a fast-paced lab setting, can manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and take pride in keeping systems well-organized and operational. Prior experience with FPGA platforms or emulation infrastructure is a plus.
We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Engineering Lab Technician to support our Validation Hardware Lab, Prototyping, and Emulation teams. In this hands-on role, you will work closely with project leads to set up and maintain critical lab infrastructure, including regression racks, thermal systems, and emulation platforms. You will play a key part in keeping our labs organized, operational, and running efficiently across a dynamic 24/7 engineering environment.
DESCRIPTION
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Assist the project lead in completing tasks across all Engineering Labs
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Set up and maintain regression racks, including Mac Minis, network switches, APC power strips, DUTs, and cable harnesses
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Assemble and maintain thermal systems, including pneumatic thermal heads, DUT fixtures, water/air cooling components, and cable harnesses
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Neatly route and dress power and network cables for regression and thermal racks
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Perform board touch-up, rework, and soldering on thru-hole and SMT components down to 0201 size
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Maintain accurate inventory records for FPGA boards, enclosures, and lab equipment
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Assist remote users with chip swaps and thermal station adjustments
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Organize lab tools and maintain cleanliness and order throughout all lab spaces
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Coordinate access for lab services and third-party personnel per manager instructions
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Provide cross-functional support to other Engineering Labs as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Proficiency in soldering and PCB rework, including SMT components (0201 and above)
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Familiarity with passive components - types, sizes, and values
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Working knowledge of lab test equipment including oscilloscopes, DVMs, and Caliber systems
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Basic networking knowledge - switches, remote desktop, server fundamentals
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Operating system proficiency on both macOS and Windows
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Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
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Effective communication skills and ability to follow project lead instructions precisely
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Flexibility to support a 24/7 lab environment.
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $39.22 and $67.32/hr, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See All 112+ Lab Technician Jobs in California
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Find Lab Technician JobsLab Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lab Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Astera Labs19

- University of California - San Francisco6

- Tessera Labs4

- Twelve Labs4

- Gimlet Labs3

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software38
- Electronics & Hardware29
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals12
- Education11
- Science & Research10
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lab technician jobs across California.
- California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or valid licensure recognized in California
- Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- Hands-on experience with clinical analyzers, PCR equipment, or laboratory information systems
- Proficiency in quality control procedures and regulatory compliance standards such as CLIA and CAP
- Certification from ASCP, AMT, or equivalent nationally recognized laboratory credentialing body
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with GMP or GLP environments
Lab Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lab technician in California?
California requires most lab technicians performing clinical testing to hold a California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) license issued by the California Department of Public Health. The CLS license requires a bachelor's degree in a qualifying science plus completion of an accredited training program, while the CLT license accepts an associate degree with approved training. Candidates must pass a state examination to obtain licensure before working independently in a California clinical lab.
Which companies hire lab technicians in California?
Employers hiring lab technicians in California right now include Astera Labs, University of California - San Francisco, and Tessera Labs, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of major health systems, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical manufacturers means demand is spread across both large hospital networks and specialized research-focused employers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most lab technician jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego have the most lab technician openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego lead because they anchor California's biotech and pharmaceutical industries, while Los Angeles supports high volume through its large hospital networks, county health facilities, and outpatient laboratory chains serving one of the most populous metro areas in the country.
Are there remote lab technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most lab technician work is hands-on and requires physical presence to operate equipment and process samples, so fully remote roles are uncommon. About 9% of lab technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to focus on data review, laboratory information system management, or quality assurance oversight rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a lab technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a California-accredited clinical laboratory training program, many of which are offered through California community colleges and hospital-affiliated schools, then applying for the CLT license through the California Department of Public Health. Large California health systems like Kaiser Permanente and UCSF Health run new-graduate training rotations, and roles such as lab assistant, phlebotomist, or specimen processor are common stepping stones. Holding a CLT license or an ASCP certification gives first-time applicants a clear hiring edge over unlicensed candidates.
Where can I find and apply to lab technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to lab technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across clinical, biotech, pharmaceutical, and environmental employers. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and credentials, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 112+ Lab Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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