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Senior Validation Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer, Process Validation

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

The Senior Engineer, Process Validation is responsible for leading & supporting internal and external validation projects that enable commercialization of vital new life saving medicines. This ...

Senior Engineer, Process Validation

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

The Senior Engineer, Process Validation is responsible for leading & supporting internal and external validation projects that enable commercialization of vital new life saving medicines. This ...

The AVP, Model Validation is responsible for model validation and ensure they are meeting Model Risk Management policies, standards, procedures as well as regulations (OCC2011-12/SR 11-7). This role ...

The AVP, Model Validation is responsible for model validation and ensure they are meeting Model Risk Management policies, standards, procedures as well as regulations (OCC2011-12/SR 11-7). This role ...

Work you'll do As a Senior Consultant, Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance on the Regulatory, Risk ... Bachelor's degree in business, information systems, computer science, engineering, or equivalent ...

Work you'll do As a Senior Consultant, Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance on the Regulatory, Risk ... Bachelor's degree in business, information systems, computer science, engineering, or equivalent ...

Work you'll do As a Senior Consultant, Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance on the Regulatory, Risk ... Bachelor's degree in business, information systems, computer science, engineering, or equivalent ...

Work you'll do As a Senior Consultant, Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance on the Regulatory, Risk ... Bachelor's degree in business, information systems, computer science, engineering, or equivalent ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Des Plaines, IL - Abbott Molecular Diagnostics Senior Manufacturing ... Validate automated manufacturing equipment, ancillary equipment, facilities, and utilities. Draft ...

... Validation Risk - Senior Associate, you will play a pivotal role in transforming raw data into ... Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics/Statistics, Operations/Supply Chain - Ability to ...

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Senior Validation Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$34

$64

$97

How much do senior validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior validation engineer in Elgin, IL is $64.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.11 and $72.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior validation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in validation within regulated industries. Familiarity with validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ), statistical analysis tools, and systems like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 is crucial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure successful project outcomes and cross-functional collaboration. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain product quality, meet regulatory standards, and drive continuous improvement.

What does a senior validation engineer do?

A Senior Validation Engineer is responsible for ensuring that products, systems, or processes meet regulatory standards and function as intended. They develop and execute validation protocols, analyze test data, and document results to confirm compliance with industry and company standards. Senior Validation Engineers often lead validation projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior staff. Their work is critical in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and manufacturing, where product safety and efficacy are essential.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior validation engineers when leading validation projects?

Senior Validation Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing tight project timelines, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards, and coordinating cross-functional teams. Balancing the needs of production, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected validation failures and documenting results thoroughly are key aspects that demand both technical expertise and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Senior Validation Engineer vs Validation Specialist?

AspectSenior Validation EngineerValidation Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related fields; often with certifications like GxP or CSVSimilar educational background; certifications like GxP or CSV are common
Work EnvironmentDesigns and oversees validation protocols in manufacturing, biotech, or pharmaceutical settingsExecutes validation tasks, tests, and documentation in similar environments
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, biotech, medical device companiesSame industries, often working under validation teams
Search & ComparisonOften compared for experience level and responsibilitiesCommonly searched together for validation roles

The main difference is that a Senior Validation Engineer typically leads validation projects, designs protocols, and oversees validation activities, while a Validation Specialist focuses on executing validation tests and documentation. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Senior Validation Engineer has more responsibility for planning and oversight.

What job categories do people searching Senior Validation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Validation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Senior Validation Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Senior Validation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Validation Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,178 per year, or $64 per hour.

Lead Validation Specialist

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Mundelein, IL

$55 - $65/hr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position: Lead Validation Specialist
Type: Contract to hire, no sponsorship available currently, NO third party representation

Duration: 12+ months contract to hire
Location: Mundelein, IL 60060 (regional travel as projects require) onsite daily


Pay rate $55.00 - $65.00 per hour - must be able to accept a permanent position
I am looking for a Lead Validation Specialist coming from the food, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry that can support commissioning, qualification, and validation (C&Q) initiatives across facilities, utilities, equipment, and automated systems.
This is a hands-on senior validation specialist role with leadership responsibility—ideal for someone who enjoys owning validation strategy, interfacing with clients and auditors, and mentoring junior validation specialists.
OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead and execute IQ/OQ/PQ activities for facilities, utilities, equipment, control systems, and HVAC
• Conduct cGMP audits, gap assessments, and impact analyses to scope validation work
• Develop system specifications aligned with GAMP and Good Engineering Practices (GEP)
• Author and manage Commissioning & Validation Master Plans (CVMPs)
• Coordinate with OEMs, construction managers, contractors, and end users during commissioning and qualification
• Build and maintain Traceability Matrices (UR/FS/DS → IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Author Summary Reports and defend validation outcomes during audits and inspections
• Lead validation staff and support their professional development
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing scope, schedule, and quality
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Technical discipline with 5–7 years in an FDA-regulated environment
OR
an Associate degree / military / technician background with 7–10 years regulated industry experience
• Must have working knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP, and GAMP - Food, Pharma or Biotech industry experience
• Experience reviewing P&IDs, wiring diagrams, HVAC/mechanical drawings, and specifications

must have experience as a Validation Engineer or
• Comfortable using field measurement and verification instrumentation
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and client-facing skills
• Proven ability to manage scope, change control, and problem resolution


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.