Operations Jobs in California
Operations jobs in California are concentrated in technology, logistics, manufacturing, and entertainment, with demand at every level from entry-level coordinator to VP of operations. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose are the largest hiring metros, where companies like Amazon, Google, and Northrop Grumman maintain substantial operations teams. Supply chain management, process improvement, and facilities operations are among the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Overview of Position:
The Lab Operations Associate provides hands-on operational support for the research laboratory, so scientists can focus on research activities. The role is responsible for keeping laboratory equipment calibrated and service-ready, maintaining appropriate stock levels, organizing work and storage areas, coordinating shipments and deliveries, and placing and tracking orders for the research team. The individual will serve as a responsive point of contact for routine laboratory needs and maintain accurate operational records.
This is a hands-on support position requiring strong organization, attention to detail, follow-through, and clear communication. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively, anticipate operational needs, manage multiple priorities, and provide reliable service to the research team.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Research Laboratory Operations
- Own the laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance program, including scheduling calibrations, certifications, preventive maintenance, and repairs; coordinate vendor access and retain complete service records.
- Maintain consumables, reagents, personal protective equipment, and common-use supplies at appropriate stock levels; conduct routine inventory checks and replenish materials before shortages affect research.
- Place and track orders for the research team, confirm specifications and approvals, monitor delivery dates, resolve discrepancies, and communicate delays, back orders, or substitutions.
- Keep laboratory benches, shared equipment areas, supply rooms, cold-storage spaces, and other common areas clean, organized, labeled, and ready for use.
- Coordinate shipping and receiving as needed for laboratory materials, samples, and equipment, including compliant packaging, required documentation, courier arrangements, tracking, and delivery follow-up.
- Receive deliveries, verify contents and conditions, route items promptly, and reconcile packing slips with purchase records.
- Serve as the day-to-day liaison with laboratory vendors, service providers, Facilities, Procurement, Finance, and shipping partners, following issues through resolution.
- Support laboratory safety and readiness by maintaining current logs and procedures, monitoring routine inspections, and promptly escalating facility, storage, equipment, or supply concerns.
- Assist with laboratory onboarding, workspace setup, access requests, and orientation to shared equipment, supplies, and operating procedures.
Vendor, Shipping & Service Coordination
- Obtain quotations, coordinate service agreements, schedule vendor visits, and support vendor onboarding in partnership with Procurement and Finance.
- Coordinate compliant domestic and international shipments when needed, including courier arrangements, shipping paperwork, chain-of-custody documentation, and delivery follow-up.
- Maintain current contact information and service documentation for equipment manufacturers, calibration providers, couriers, and key laboratory suppliers.
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, laboratory operations, supply chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience:
- At least 3-5 years of experience supporting research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, or academic laboratory environment is preferred.
- Experience coordinating equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, repair, or certification schedules and maintaining related records.
- Experience managing laboratory inventory, stocking shared supplies, ordering materials, and tracking purchase orders through delivery.
- Experience with shipping and receiving laboratory materials or biological samples, including familiarity with required documentation and safe packaging practices.
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical and biological material storage, and organized recordkeeping.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using purchasing, inventory, work-order, or laboratory management systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientists, vendors, couriers, Facilities, Procurement, and Finance.
- Ability to prioritize competing requests, resolve routine operational issues, and deliver reliable support under changing timelines.
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong organizational skills and consistent attention to labeling, storage, documentation, and follow-through.
- Ability to maintain calibration calendars, inventory records, order trackers, service histories, and shipping documentation accurately.
- Service-oriented approach and ability to anticipate the needs of a research team.
- Effective troubleshooting, problem-solving, and escalation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, changing priorities, and time-sensitive requests with minimal supervision.
- Clear, professional communication and effective collaboration across research and business functions.
- Commitment to safe, efficient, compliant, and well-organized laboratory operations.
- Some scheduling flexibility to accommodate experimental needs.
For candidates with relevant scientific experience and interest, this position may offer opportunities to contribute to research activities as operational priorities and team needs allow.
EQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Find Operations JobsOperations Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kohl's21

- CVS Health18

- Allied Universal6

- Shield AI5

- Apple4

Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Music
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma
- Proficiency in enterprise resource planning software such as SAP or Oracle
- Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate cross-functional California teams
- Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and California-based supply chain partners
- Familiarity with California labor law and workplace compliance requirements
Operations Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations in California?
Most operations roles in California require a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field, though many employers also value relevant work experience. California does not issue a state license specific to general operations professionals, but credentials like the Association for Supply Chain Management's CSCP or a Project Management Professional certification are widely recognized by California employers and strengthen hiring prospects considerably.
Which companies hire operationss in California?
California operations roles are posted by Kohl's, CVS Health, and Allied Universal and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's mix of tech giants, aerospace contractors, logistics hubs, and entertainment studios means operations talent is sought across a broader range of industries than most other states.
Which California cities have the most operations jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most operations openings in California right now. The distribution reflects the state's economic anchors: Los Angeles draws heavily from logistics, entertainment, and aerospace, while the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose are driven by tech headquarters and large-scale corporate operations functions based in Silicon Valley.
Are there remote operations jobs in California?
Yes, but it depends heavily on the specialty. About 38% of operations openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with availability varying widely by function. Roles focused on data analysis, vendor management, or business process oversight tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while facilities, manufacturing, and logistics operations positions are nearly always on-site.
How can I get hired as a operations in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an operations coordinator or administrative associate role at a mid-size or large California company, where you can learn processes from the ground up. Companies like Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, and major California county governments regularly run associate and rotational programs for candidates without deep experience. A project management certificate from a California community college or university extension program, combined with internship experience, meaningfully improves your candidacy for entry-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to operations jobs in California?
You can find and apply to operations jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 382+ Operations Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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