What Does a Validation Engineer Do?

A validation engineer's main duty is to ensure the correct functioning and operation of manufacturing equipment.

Validation engineers exist wherever manufacturing processes exist. They can be found across many different sectors, including pharma and biotech.

The systems involved in manufacturing include mechanics, instrumentation and procedures. Validation engineers are responsible for...

• Inspecting, calibrating and testing these systems
• Documenting the process
• Making sure the correct procedures are followed

Read on to learn more about the role of a validation engineer.

 

Validation engineer: duties and responsibilities

The specifics of this role depend on which sector the validation engineer is working within. For instance, a day in the life of a pharmaceutical validation engineer may not bear much resemblance to that of a validation engineer in the aerospace industry.

However, across virtually all industries, a validation engineer's responsibilities will include...

• Creating and maintaining validation processes and procedures for instruments and equipment
  
  
• Maintenance and testing of equipment and processes
  
  
• Adjusting, modifying or improving processes and equipment in response to test results
  
  
• Investigating and resolving failures in process and equipment
  
  
• Maintaining documentation and databases of results and procedures as evidence of compliance with legislation (and also to support future testing)
  
  
• Ensuring safety guidelines and legislation are followed
  
  
• Ensuring utilities and equipment remain compliant with required procedures and regulations

What qualifications are required to be a validation engineer?

If you are hoping to secure a job as a validation engineer, having some of these items on your CV will help:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant STEM subject area (for example, chemistry or biochemistry if you’re aiming to pursue a validation engineering career in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries)
  
  
• A relevant masters degree
  
  
• Relevant experience (e.g. from a 'sandwich year' placement or final-year project) that demonstrates to potential employers your ability to follow procedures, work with specialised instruments and create reports on findings
  
  
• An apprenticeship in validation engineering
  
  
• A previous role as a validation technician (many validation engineers start out as validation technicians and work their way up)

Regardless of the route you take into the profession, experience with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and operations is essential.

What skills does a validation engineer need?

Validation engineer is a technical, detailed-focused role. The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Analytical thinking skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong maths and IT competency
• Ability to keep detailed technical records
• Good time management and organisation
• Ability to follow a set process
• Excellent communication skills

How much do validation engineers earn?

The average salary for a validation engineer in the UK is around £40,000. Starting salaries are in the region of £25,000 and earnings increase with experience in the role.