What is a Validation Engineer?
Job Description: Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
A Day in the Life of a Validation Engineer
- Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.
- Recommend resolution of identified deviations from established product or process standards.
- Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.
- Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.
- Direct validation activities, such as protocol creation or testing.
- Design validation study features, such as sampling, testing, or analytical methodologies.
Qualities of a Validation Engineer
When polled, Validation Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Systems Engineer
- Qualification Engineer
- Corporate Quality Engineer
- Validation Specialist
- Equipment Validation Engineer
Is There Going to be Demand for Validation Engineers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 132,500 jobs in the United States for Validation Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Validation Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Validation Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Validation Engineer Make?
The typical yearly salary for Validation Engineers is somewhere between $50,750 and $155,650.
Validation Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Validation Engineers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $115,710 |
| Alaska | $114,040 |
| Arizona | $94,450 |
| Arkansas | $71,510 |
| California | $107,700 |
| Colorado | $111,610 |
| Connecticut | $100,230 |
| District of Columbia | $132,530 |
| Florida | $82,970 |
| Georgia | $93,580 |
| Hawaii | $96,940 |
| Idaho | $110,270 |
| Illinois | $87,220 |
| Indiana | $73,340 |
| Iowa | $78,230 |
| Kansas | $82,060 |
| Kentucky | $79,690 |
| Louisiana | $90,580 |
| Maine | $85,800 |
| Maryland | $118,420 |
| Massachusetts | $109,220 |
| Michigan | $90,420 |
| Minnesota | $101,620 |
| Mississippi | $79,630 |
| Missouri | $86,850 |
| Montana | $79,590 |
| Nebraska | $82,760 |
| Nevada | $94,950 |
| New Hampshire | $99,070 |
| New Jersey | $114,990 |
| New Mexico | $114,790 |
| New York | $95,270 |
| North Carolina | $83,900 |
| North Dakota | $83,270 |
| Ohio | $93,370 |
| Oklahoma | $83,080 |
| Oregon | $90,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
| Rhode Island | $95,790 |
| South Carolina | $100,750 |
| South Dakota | $84,320 |
| Tennessee | $82,030 |
| Texas | $113,370 |
| Utah | $89,810 |
| Vermont | $81,960 |
| Virginia | $118,390 |
| Washington | $104,890 |
| West Virginia | $91,420 |
| Wisconsin | $86,600 |
| Wyoming | $97,040 |
What Tools & Technology do Validation Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Validation Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- Email software
- MongoDB
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- IBM Notes
How to Become a Validation Engineer
Learn what Validation Engineer education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Validation Engineers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Validation Engineers employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Validation Engineer may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Validation Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Declan Barnes via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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