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Principal Validation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Validation Engineer/Scientist - Technical Services / Manufacturing Science (TS/MS) role is a ... Implement process changes and improvements through the technical agenda. * (Senior/Principal) Serve ...

Position: Validation Engineer I , Req#: LZAJP00006878 Location: Vacaville, CA (100% onsite ... principals, quality policies, standards and core values. Maintains the company's right to operate ...

The Principal R&D Validation Engineer leads the technical strategy and execution for advanced consumable product qualifications specializing in injection molded components, driving high-impact ...

... initial validation and equipment/system requalification's. Will participate in equipment ... Responsibilities PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY THE INCUMBENT . * Schedules and executes ...

Validation Engineer

Wilson, NC ยท On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

... initial validation and equipment/system requalification's. Will participate in equipment ... Responsibilities PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY THE INCUMBENT . * Schedules and executes ...

CQV/Validation Engineer

Holbrook, MA ยท On-site

$33 - $43/hr

The CQV/Validation Engineer is responsible for supporting the activities required to implement the ... PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Participate in validation, qualification, and commissioning ...

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Principal Validation Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal validation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal validation engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Validation Engineer?

A Principal Validation Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for leading and overseeing the validation processes within engineering projects, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, or manufacturing. They ensure that products, equipment, or systems meet regulatory standards and function as intended through rigorous testing and documentation. Principal Validation Engineers often develop validation protocols, analyze test results, and mentor junior engineers. Their work is crucial for quality assurance and compliance with industry regulations.

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

AspectPrincipal Validation EngineerValidation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BSc, MSc, or PhD) and extensive industry experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads validation projects, oversees teams, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsPerforms validation tasks, executes protocols, and documents results under supervision
Industry UsageCommonly found in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industriesWidely used across similar regulated industries for validation activities

The main difference between a Principal Validation Engineer and a Validation Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership scope. The Principal Validation Engineer typically holds advanced credentials, leads validation strategies, and manages teams, whereas the Validation Engineer focuses on executing validation tasks under guidance. Both roles are essential in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and medical devices, but the Principal role involves higher-level planning and oversight.

How does a Principal Validation Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during new product development?

As a Principal Validation Engineer, you will frequently work alongside design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure that products meet regulatory and performance standards. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, establishing validation strategies, and communicating test results to stakeholders. Your expertise will be crucial in troubleshooting issues and recommending design modifications, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential. This collaborative approach not only ensures product reliability but also streamlines the development process and supports continuous improvement.

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

To thrive as a Principal Validation Engineer, you need deep expertise in validation protocols, regulatory compliance (such as FDA or ISO standards), and a relevant engineering or science degree. Familiarity with validation lifecycle documentation, risk management tools, and computerized systems validation (CSV) is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ CQA being advantageous. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These competencies ensure that products and processes consistently meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.
More about Principal Validation Engineer jobs
What states have the most Principal Validation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Validation Engineer jobs include:
Principal Silicon Validation Engineer

Principal Silicon Validation Engineer

Astera Labs

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs' Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXLยฎ, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIeยฎ, and UALinkโ„ข semiconductor-based technologies with the company's COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company's custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com.
Overview:
The mission of this role is to develop and execute electrical validation tests that quantify parametric device performance and operating margins across all system conditions. The validation team upholds customer requirements to the highest standard and serves as the final authority in certifying a product's parametric compliance.
Astera Labs is seeking motivated Principal / Senior Principal Post-Silicon Validation Engineers to support our game-changing portfolio of connectivity products for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications. In this role, you will define comprehensive post-silicon validation plans, automate IC- and board-level testing, and design experiments to identify and root-cause unexpected behavior. You will analyze and report validation results against specifications, collaborate closely with key internal stakeholders, quantify performance margins, and ensure robust, production-ready designs.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Strong academic and technical background in Electrical or Computer Engineering. At minimum, a Bachelor's is required, and a Master's is preferred.
  • โ‰ฅ10 years experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
  • Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for internal meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
  • Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act with the customer in mind!
  • Proven track record solving problems independently, preferably as a tech lead
  • Required experience
  • Experience working on debug and bring-up of complicated SoC's with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe/802.3 Ethernet
  • Strong problem-solving skills, ability to solve problems independently
  • Basic knowledge of key, high-speed design blocks such as PLL's, CTLE, DFE, Tx EQ, PAM4 signaling
  • Strong python scripting and coding ability: knowledge of object-oriented programming and basic dev ops using git for source control and collaboration
  • Proficiency using high-speed lab equipment such as BERT, Oscilloscope, and VNA

Preferred Experience:
  • Experience in system testing, characterization, margin analysis and optimization of high-speed, multi-gigabit data links over long and short channels
  • Familiarity with PCIe or Ethernet especially Electrical Compliance sections
  • Hands-on experience with signal integrity, especially as it relates to PCIe/Ethernet testing and CEM/NVMe interfaces
  • Working knowledge of C or C++ for embedded FW
  • Familiarity with IEEE 802.3x Ethernet standards and both NRZ and PAM-4 signaling
  • Working knowledge of common serial data specifications such as I2C, SPI, etc
  • Knowledge of schematic capture and PCB layout tools from Cadence, Altium, etc.
  • Knowledge of simulation tools such as MATLAB, Keysight ADS, or PLTS for data analysis and modeling of electrical channel and signal integrity issues

The base salary range is USD 203,00 - USD 250,000. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.