Why We Love It
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$98,150Potential Avg. Salary
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3.9%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Get to TravelCareer Attribute
Validation engineers carry out important functions to determine that drugs and treatments are produced in secure environments for patients around the world. They run quality checks by testing, evaluating and maintaining equipment utilized by scientists, companies, research facilities, etc.
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What is a Validation Engineer?
Duties
Validation engineers have the following essential duties and responsibilities:
- Calibrate the equipment supporting validation protocols and make sure that the calibration specifications for the equipment are accurate.
- Take part in factory and site acceptance testing for new and updated manufacturing and engineering equipment.
- Study the characteristics of you are the product as well as what customer requirements are in order to decide on validation objectives and standards, along with your supervisor.
- Complete different types of documentation such as detailed reports or design statements, based off the findings from validation and qualification tests.
- Undertake audits of validation or performance qualification to make sure there is compliance with internal and regulatory protocols.
Day In The Life
A typical day for a validation engineer includes developing validation master plans, process flow diagrams or test cases for utilities, computer systems, new equipment, instruments and control systems. Depending on the type of role, you may lead and plan the execution of all plant validation activities at the manufacturing site. You can generate and ensure the appropriate generation of validation study documentation ranging from protocols, addenda, commissioning documents, and new equipment acceptance forms.
Much of the work requires group conversations on a daily basis and working in a cohesive team is vital to succeed. Over the span of a week or month, you may have to develop and maintain extensive databases for tracking all validation activities, test results and other validation systems. Taking care of contractor audits, supplier audits, pre-delivery inspections and on-site factory inspection tests can arise in connection with validation.
Work Schedule
In a regular workweek, you have to work more than 40 hours with a set schedule. You may rarely have to work off-shifts and on weekends depending on the workload. The work environment is a standard office with no outdoor work. Occasionally, you may work in a warehouse-style environment.
Growth Of The Job
The employment rate of engineers will grow by 11 percent over the 2018 decade. The skillset of a validation engineer is hard to find therefore, demand will be consistently high. In particular, pharmaceutical companies have plenty of opportunity for interested candidates, since each aspect of their development and manufacturing has to be closely monitored for quality purposes. Increasing competition and advances in technology will push companies to update their product designs and processes, resulting in an increased need for engineers to supply ideas behind better products. Many openings will be created to supplement current engineers that retire. Continuous education and keeping current in the field is necessary for promotions to roles that are more senior.
Typical Employers
Most validation engineers choose to work as independent contractors, working on short-term projects that pay by the hour. In this field, you may be working with labs or research institutions and various manufacturing industries including computer software, pharmaceuticals, automotive and aerospace. Many engineers also work in the telecommunications, construction and wholesale trade areas. Employers looking to hire validation engineers include Agilent, Apple, Foundation Medicine, Inc., Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences, Advent Global Solutions, Barry Wehmiller Companies Inc.
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How To Become a Validation Engineer
As a first step in this career path, you should at least possess an undergraduate degree in engineering, i.e. software, manufacturing, electrical and mechanical, life sciences or a technical discipline. Sometimes, generalist engineers will work on projects in this area and choose to specialise as a validation or quality engineer. Completing a master’s degree will eventually, help with opportunities for advancement and a chance to carry out advanced research with senior engineers. Having relevant experience is a distinct advantage. Take advantage of employers that offer traineeships or project work to expand your network in this field and gain a deeper insight into the profession.
Individuals suited for this career must like working with unique ideas and engage in a lot of thinking. You should have the ability to read and interpret complex scientific technical journals and clearly communicate it to colleagues in oral or written communication. In addition, having the ability to work well in a team in keeping with multiple deadlines and objectives is necessary. An advanced understanding of mathematical concepts like frequency distribution, factor analysis and correlation techniques will also help to analyse problems effectively.
Validation Engineer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$70,960Average
$98,150High Range
$150,830National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$34/hrAverage
$47/hrHigh Range
$73/hrHow do Validation Engineer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Validation Engineer's can make an average annual salary of $98,150, or $47 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $70,960 or $34 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#71 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Validation Engineers
- 7.3% Doctorate
- 28% Masters
- 48.1% Bachelors
- 6.7% Associates
- 7.6% College
- 2.2% High School
- 0.2% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
136,9002024 Est. Jobs
142,300Job Growth Rate
3.9%Est. New Jobs
5,400How does Validation Engineer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 5,400 jobs for a total of 142,300 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 3.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#482 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Validation Engineers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 28,900 | -2,800 | -3% |
| Engineering services | 12,200 | 1,400 | 1% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 8,900 | 2,900 | 3% |
