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Validation Engineer |
Career OverviewA highly technical position, the validation engineer completes or oversees all the calibration and testing of the various instruments and pieces of equipment used in the lab for measuring, weighing and processing raw and refined materials.
The validation engineer is usually responsible for determining what equipment in the lab needs to be replaced or removed, and also may be responsible for completing the laboratory equipment budget, purchasing new equipment and even training others on the team in the proper use of the equipment. The validation engineer often works directly with contractors, suppliers and vendors to troubleshoot or install equipment with the lab or manufacturing plant.
The validation engineer is usually the team leader or supervisory for the validation technicians and lab employees. He or she may also be directly involved in the training and mentoring of new employees and team members with regards to equipment use and calibration. The validation engineer should have excellent communication skills, be a problem solver, and have good understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP).
The validation engineer should be well versed in proper documentation and data analysis as well as be an independent worker and able to meet reporting deadlines and guidelines.
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Career RequirementsThe minimum level of education for a validation engineer is a Bachelors degree in a science field and several years experience in the field of validation. Many validation technicians work towards their Bachelors or Masters degrees while employed by a lab so that upon graduation they have both their degree and work experience.
Depending on the type of equipment and facility the validation engineer should have a good mechanical understanding of laboratory equipment as well as a background in computers. Additional certification for calibration of equipment is often considered critical. Some pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies require additional training in Aseptic Processing Guidelines as well as GLP and GMP training.
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Job OutlookThe job outlook for validation engineer is significantly higher than standard employment opportunities, even within the ever increasing biotechnology field. This is due particularly to the increase in very sensitive and highly advanced equipment used with labs, processing and manufacturing plants and facilities.
As the demand for the high tech equipment increases the need for trained and qualified individuals to calibrate and troubleshoot problems with the equipment continues to increase.
It is expected that the demand for validation engineer will continue to increase above the industry average at least until the year 2014. The ongoing trend indicates that this increase will continue far past that date.
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Career TrackA validation engineer has many different opportunities within the field. The options to move into supervisory or management positions within production and lab facilities continues to increase as more and more emphasis is put on mechanizing production lines.
Validation engineers with a Masters level education and several years experience will often choose to go into management or supervisory positions, or even work as consultants or independent contractors within the marketplace.
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CompensationA validation engineer with a Bachelors degree and less than three years experience in a laboratory setting can expect to earn an average of $42,000 per year. Masters level validation engineer with more than three years experience and some supervisory training often earn approximately $62,000 to $65,000 per year.
Management positions for validation engineer may have a yearly income of $70,000 plus, depending on number of employees and area of management.
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