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Validation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Validation Engineer

Ottawa, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Senior Validation Engineer Location: Ottawa, Illinois Employment Type: Full-Time About the Position We are seeking an experienced Senior Validation Engineer to lead validation activities supporting ...

Validation Engineer 1st shift E-Verify Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site Duties/Responsibilities: * Participate in projects/program management, review new and existing drawings as received from customers ...

IL ยท On-site

Manufacturing Validation Engineer Location: Lake County, IL Duration: Long Term Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Validation Engineer to support manufacturing operations ...

$75K - $95K/yr

About Us At cGMP Consulting, we specialize in providing expert validation, qualification, and ... Perform activities related to scoping, executing, and managing engineering projects involving ...

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Validation Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$21

$50

$75

How much do validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for validation engineer in Illinois is $50.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.22 and $61.25 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Validation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Validation Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Validation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Validation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,802 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Validation Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL โ€ข On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Validation Engineer – Injection Molding
Location: Buffalo Grove Il
Hire Type: Contract
Shift: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday
Compensation: $55–$65/hour
Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Validation Engineer with experience supporting plastic injection molding manufacturing within a regulated environment. This individual will lead equipment, process, and manufacturing validations while partnering closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Automation teams to ensure new and existing molding processes meet quality and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate will have experience developing and executing IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, validating injection molding equipment and processes, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a medical device, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, execute, and approve IQ, OQ, and PQ validation protocols for injection molding equipment, automation, and manufacturing processes.
Lead validation activities for new product introductions, equipment installations, process transfers, and manufacturing changes.
Validate injection molding processes including process windows, machine qualifications, tooling, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems.
Perform risk assessments utilizing FMEA and other risk management tools.
Investigate validation failures, process deviations, and nonconformances while implementing effective corrective actions.
Analyze process capability, statistical data, and validation results to ensure robust manufacturing processes.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize molding parameters, cycle times, and process performance.
Support mold qualifications, process characterization, and production readiness activities.
Prepare validation reports, technical documentation, protocols, and supporting engineering documentation.
Participate in equipment FAT/SAT activities when applicable.
Ensure validation documentation complies with FDA, ISO 13485, GMP, and internal quality standards.
Support CAPA investigations, change control activities, and regulatory audits.
Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Tooling, Automation, and Regulatory Affairs teams.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
3+ years of validation engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
Hands-on experience validating plastic injection molding processes and equipment.
Strong knowledge of IQ/OQ/PQ methodologies and validation lifecycle documentation.
Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, and manufacturing process development.
Familiarity with scientific molding principles and process optimization.
Experience with statistical analysis tools and process capability studies.
Knowledge of risk management methodologies including PFMEA/FMEA.
Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Medical device, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.
Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, vision systems, and PLC-controlled equipment.
Knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, GMP, and GAMP guidance.
Experience with injection mold qualification, tooling validation, and mold transfers.
Familiarity with cleanroom manufacturing environments.
Experience supporting CAPA, NCR investigations, and change control processes.
Working knowledge of Minitab or other statistical software.

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.