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Lead Validation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead full validation lifecycle activities: FAT, SAT, CSV, equipment integration, and startup ... Perform engineering analyses (stress, strain, thermal, fluid dynamics) to validate designs.

The Validation Engineer will act as a technical subject matter expert across facility systems, lead validation efforts, support lifecycle management, mentor junior staff, and collaborate cross ...

Lead and guide validation engineers from a project execution perspective * Serves as the primary owner for validation execution within the project, with accountability for delivery, quality, and ...

Supermicro is looking for a skilled Application Validation Engineer with strong hardware testing expertise to lead validation efforts for storage devices, subsystems, and server platforms. This role ...

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Lead Validation Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead validation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead validation engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Validation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Validation Engineer, you need expertise in test planning, validation methodologies, and a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with validation tools (like LabVIEW or MATLAB), regulatory standards (such as FDA or ISO), and quality management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top candidates apart in overseeing teams and complex projects. These competencies are vital to ensure products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards while guiding teams to successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by Lead Validation Engineers when coordinating cross-functional validation activities?

Lead Validation Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning timelines and expectations among diverse teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Balancing compliance requirements with project deadlines can be demanding, as validation activities frequently depend on input and deliverables from multiple stakeholders. Strong communication and project management skills are essential to ensure smooth collaboration and to proactively address issues like resource constraints or shifting priorities. Overcoming these challenges not only strengthens the validation process but also enhances product quality and team cohesion.

What are Lead Validation Engineers?

Lead Validation Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing the validation processes in manufacturing or product development environments. They ensure that systems, equipment, or products meet regulatory standards, quality requirements, and function as intended. Their role typically involves developing validation protocols, managing a team, coordinating testing activities, and documenting results. Lead Validation Engineers often work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, automotive, or electronics. They play a critical role in maintaining product safety, compliance, and reliability.

What is the difference between Lead Validation Engineer vs Validation Engineer?

AspectLead Validation EngineerValidation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like ISTQB or Six Sigma are commonSame as Lead Validation Engineer, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads validation projects, manages teams, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsPerforms validation tasks, executes test plans, and documents results under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and software industries for quality assuranceCommonly used in similar industries for ensuring product and process quality

The main difference is that the Lead Validation Engineer oversees validation projects and manages teams, while the Validation Engineer focuses on executing validation tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to quality assurance processes across industries.

More about Lead Validation Engineer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Validation Engineer jobs? The top employers for Lead Validation Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Validation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 26% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who provides solutions for the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Chemical, Food, and Medical Devices industries in the following areas: Laboratory, Compliance, Computer, Engineering, Project Management, Validation, and other services.

We are seeking a talented, dedicated individual committed to work under the highest ethics standards for the following position:

  • Validation Engineer

Description:

This position supports equipment design and process implementation activities under the guidance of the Staff Engineer. The Senior Engineer leads the design, development, validation, and integration of manufacturing equipment, ensuring full alignment with project requirements, regulatory standards, and operational excellence in a GMP-regulated environment.

The role demands deep technical expertise across the full validation lifecycle — including URS development, FAT/SAT execution, and Computer System Validation (CSV) — as well as hands-on experience with PLC systems and controls integration. The candidate will drive end-to-end project implementation: from equipment design and installation through startup, commissioning, and qualification.

This position requires the ability to work independently while partnering with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Operations) and external vendors, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% (Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Germany, Japan).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop User Requirement Specifications (URS) and mechanical/electrical designs for assembly and packaging equipment.
  • Lead full validation lifecycle activities: FAT, SAT, CSV, equipment integration, and startup.
  • Drive process design for new equipment and ensure product design requirements are met.
  • Execute commissioning and qualification activities for new and existing equipment.
  • Provide technical oversight to ensure equipment meets safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
  • Manage suppliers and external vendors on capital projects, controlling scope, cost, and lead time.
  • Collaborate with Procurement and Legal on vendor contracts.
  • Develop detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation (URS, assembly instructions, bill of process, etc.).
  • Optimize equipment design for manufacturability, cost reduction, maintainability, and efficiency.
  • Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and FMEA to ensure reliability and performance.
  • Perform engineering analyses (stress, strain, thermal, fluid dynamics) to validate designs.
  • Ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with electrical, controls, and maintenance teams.
  • Support PLC systems and controls integration as part of equipment implementation.
  • Execute capital projects in GMP manufacturing environments.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and quality policies, procedures, and GMP standards.
  • Apply statistical analysis and SPC systems to support data-driven decision-making.
  • Manage multiple priorities and maintain equipment qualification schedules.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (Master's preferred).
  • Minimum 8 years of engineering experience in pharmaceutical and/or medical device industries.
  • Demonstrated experience across the full validation lifecycle (URS, FAT, SAT, CSV).
  • Experience with PLC programming and controls integration.
  • Proven track record supporting full project implementation: design, installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification.
  • Strong experience executing capital projects within GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including FMEA and statistical analysis/SPC.
  • Familiarity with GMP, ISO standards, Lean Manufacturing, and FDA-regulated environments.
  • Ability to work independently and lead solutions under general direction.
  • Strong project management, organization, and communication skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.

At Validation & Engineering Group, people always come first. We believe that when you're empowered to do your best work, bold ideas thrive and real progress happens. This isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by shaping the future of healthcare and technology alongside a purpose-driven, supportive team.
Excited to build something meaningful together? We look forward to hearing from you.
Validation & Engineering Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.