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Validation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and especially motivated Analog Mixed Signal IP Silicon Validation Engineer! As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and great ...

Principal Validation Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Summary The Principal Validation Engineer is responsible for coordinating all validation activities by constant communication with affected departments and personnel; oversees and reviews ...

We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and especially motivated Analog Mixed Signal IP Silicon Validation Engineer! As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and great ...

Validation Engineer I

Irvine, CA ยท Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Validation Engineer I WHO WE ARE We're Genesis AEC - an award-winning architecture, engineering, construction management, and CQV firm and a leader in the life sciences industry. Ranked #5 in ...

Validation Engineer I

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Summary The Validation Engineer I is responsible for generating and executing protocols, creating summary reports and executing validation activities in FDA regulated biopharmaceutical ...

Validation Engineer

Vacaville, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... engineering field (or equivalent experience) - 2-4 years' experience in commissioning and qualification in a regulated industry - Familiarity with ISPE Baseline Guide 5 (Second Edition) is a plus ...

Validation Engineer I

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Validation Engineer I WHO WE ARE We're Genesis AEC - an award-winning architecture, engineering, construction management, and CQV firm and a leader in the life sciences industry. Ranked #5 in ...

Validation Engineer

Vacaville, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... engineering field (or equivalent experience) - 2-4 years' experience in commissioning and qualification in a regulated industry - Familiarity with ISPE Baseline Guide 5 (Second Edition) is a plus ...

... engineering field (or equivalent experience) - 2-4 years' experience in commissioning and qualification in a regulated industry - Familiarity with ISPE Baseline Guide 5 (Second Edition) is a plus ...

Validation Engineer I

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Summary The Validation Engineer I is responsible for generating and executing protocols, creating summary reports and executing validation activities in FDA regulated biopharmaceutical ...

We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and especially motivated Analog Mixed Signal IP Silicon Validation Engineer! As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and great ...

Validation Engineer II

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Validation Engineer II works on many phases/sub-tasks of projects of moderate complexity and working under general supervision or mostly independently with minimal supervision. Essential ...

... engineering field (or equivalent experience) - 2-4 years' experience in commissioning and qualification in a regulated industry - Familiarity with ISPE Baseline Guide 5 (Second Edition) is a plus ...

Validation Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... engineering field (or equivalent experience) - 2-4 years' experience in commissioning and qualification in a regulated industry - Familiarity with ISPE Baseline Guide 5 (Second Edition) is a plus ...

Validation Engineer II

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Validation Engineer II works on many phases/sub-tasks of projects of moderate complexity and working under general supervision or mostly independently with minimal supervision. Essential ...

Showing results 41-60

Validation Engineer information

See California salary details

$22

$51

$77

How much do validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for validation engineer in California is $51.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.89 and $62.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is validation engineer a good job?

Validation engineers are responsible for ensuring that products and processes meet quality standards through testing and documentation, often working in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, or manufacturing. The role typically requires knowledge of regulatory requirements, validation protocols, and tools like GxP or SOPs, and can offer stable employment with opportunities for advancement. Job satisfaction depends on individual interests in quality assurance, technical skills, and industry stability.

What degree do you need to be a validation engineer?

Validation engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related field. Some roles may require a master's degree or specialized certifications in quality assurance or validation processes. Strong knowledge of regulatory standards and experience with validation tools are also important.

What is a validation engineer?

A validation engineer is responsible for testing equipment and electrical systems used in the manufacturing process. As a validation engineer, your primary duty is to work with the other members of the validation team to ensure that these systems measure up to company and industry standards. Skills needed for a validation engineer job include the ability to accurately test, measure, and calibrate manufacturing equipment for maximum efficiency and quality.

What is the difference between Validation Engineer vs Quality Assurance Engineer?

AspectValidation EngineerQuality Assurance Engineer
CertificationsGMP, ISO, Six SigmaISO, Six Sigma, CQA
Work EnvironmentRegulated industries like pharma, biotech, medical devicesManufacturing, software, and product development
Primary FocusEnsuring products meet specifications through validation processesPreventing defects through process and system improvements
Common UsageRegulatory compliance, validation protocolsProcess audits, quality systems

Validation Engineers focus on verifying that products and processes meet regulatory standards through validation protocols, especially in regulated industries. Quality Assurance Engineers concentrate on maintaining overall product quality by implementing and auditing quality systems. While both roles aim to ensure product safety and efficacy, Validation Engineers are more involved in validation activities, whereas QA Engineers focus on process improvement and defect prevention.

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

To thrive as a Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with validation protocols, statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific regulations such as FDA, GMP, or ISO standards is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure that products and processes meet stringent quality and safety standards, minimizing risks and ensuring regulatory approval.

What are some common challenges validation engineers face when working cross-functionally with other departments?

Validation Engineers frequently collaborate with teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and research & development. One common challenge is aligning differing priorities and timelines between departments, which can sometimes delay validation projects. Effective communication skills and flexibility are crucial to navigating these cross-functional interactions, ensuring that all regulatory and quality requirements are met without hindering production schedules. Building strong working relationships and proactively addressing potential concerns can help Validation Engineers facilitate smoother project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Validation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Validation Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Validation Engineer jobs in California?

For Validation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Validation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Validation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Validation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Validation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Validation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,736 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Validation Engineer III

ElDorado National California Inc

Riverside, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join a manufacturing leader with over 50 years of excellence, where every role contributes to building reliable transportation solutions that people depend on everyday across the United States and Canada. At ENC, we prioritize safety, quality, innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth โ€“ creating vehicles our teams can take pride in.
Founded in 1975, ENC (ElDorado National โ€“ California) is a leading U.S. transportation manufacturer specializing in design, engineering, and end-to-end production of heavy-duty buses, shuttles, and cargo vehicles through a custom-build, mixed-model assembly process. Each vehicle is produced in our purpose-built facility in Riverside, California supporting public agencies and private transportation providers nationwide. We offer one of the industryโ€™s widest portfolios of power options, including 100% battery-electric, diesel-electric hybrid, CNG, and clean diesel.
ENC is committed to revitalizing American manufacturing through innovation, customer focus, and the delivery of high-quality vehicles that keep communities connected, supported, and moving forward.
Validation Engineer III

Location: Riverside, CA
Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000
Position Summary
The Validation Engineer III will be responsible for planning, executing, and managing test and validation activities for an innovative medium-duty vehicle platform. This role will ensure that all vehicle systems, mechanical, electrical, and software, meet design intent, performance requirements, and regulatory standards.
This position is based at the Company's headquarters in Riverside, California, and will require active collaboration with engineering and supplier teams in China, as well as coordination of U.S. and international test and certification programs. The ideal candidate will have strong technical understanding of vehicle systems and validation processes, experience with EV platforms or complex mobility products, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like development environment.
Key Responsibilities
This list of essential duties is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties, as management may deem necessary from time to time. The team member must be able to perform each essential job duty identified below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this position unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
  • Develop and manage Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP amp;R) for vehicle systems and components.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute validation activities including functional, durability, thermal, vibration, NVH, and environmental testing.
  • Oversee data acquisition, instrumentation setup, and test execution for mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Analyze test data, identify performance deviations, and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions.
  • Work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to resolve issues and improve design robustness.
  • Coordinate with internal and external test labs in the U.S. and abroad to ensure test coverage and compliance.
  • Support FMVSS, EPA, and CARB validation and documentation requirements in collaboration with homologation teams.
  • Support prototype builds, vehicle instrumentation, and system debugging activities.
  • Travel to China and other test sites as required to oversee validation activities and collaborate with international teams.
  • Maintain detailed test documentation, traceability, and reporting aligned with program milestones.
Position Requirements
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or related Engineering field (Masterโ€™s preferred).
  • 5+ years of validation or test engineering experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, or EV development.
  • Proven experience in vehicle or system-level validation, including test planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Hands-on experience with data acquisition systems (e.g., NI, Vector) and test instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of regulatory and safety standards such as FMVSS, EPA, and CARB.
  • Familiarity with thermal, vibration, environmental, and EMC testing methodologies.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination skills.
  • Ability and willingness to travel internationally, including frequent travel to China.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Validation experience with EV-specific systems, such as batteries, e-axles, VCUs, and BMS (a plus).
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and test automation (a plus).
  • Familiarity with ISO 26262, functional safety, and validation best practices (a plus).
  • Previous collaboration with international suppliers or engineering teams (a plus).
  • Experience supporting prototype-to-production transition and design maturity tracking (a plus).
Work Environment:

This is an onsite position based in Riverside, CA and requires being onsite.
Benefits:
  • Comprehensive benefits package: Medical (including FSA amp; HSA), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, EAP, mental health, and wellness programs
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off and twelve (12) paid holidays
  • Employee referral program
  • Career growth and development opportunities
Career Growth at ENC
We believe great careers and leaders are built from within. Many of our team members have advanced into roles that lead or into specialized technical positions. We invest in hands-on training, skill development, and long-term career pathways within manufacturing operations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ElDorado National California Inc. (ENC) is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
ENC takes affirmative action to employ and advance employment opportunities for minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our team.
ENC is also committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact HR Department for assistance.
In accordance with California's wage transparency law (Senate Bill 1162), we are committed to pay equity and transparency. The salary range reflected on the job positing is our good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. While we do not typically hire at the top of the salary range, initial offers are based on the candidateโ€™s qualifications and experience, with opportunities for growth and increases over time.