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Validation Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Quality Agents

Validation Engineer IV

Rockville, MD · On-site

Our Validation Engineers will be involved with the qualification and requalification of equipment used to manufacture and test biologics/drug product/etc. at client sites. The Validation Engineer ...

Quality Agents

Validation Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

Our Validation Engineers will be involved with the qualification and requalification of equipment used to manufacture and test biologics/drug product/etc. at client sites. The Validation Engineer ...

CAI

Computer Systems Validation Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

... validation compliance and delivery Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be accepted Minimum of 3+ ...

CAI

Computer Systems Validation Engineer

Rockville, MD

$75K - $106K/yr

... validation compliance and delivery Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be accepted Minimum of 3+ ...

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Validation Engineer information

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How much do validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for validation engineer in Reston, VA is $54.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.01 and $65.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is validation engineer a good job?

Validation engineers are responsible for ensuring that products and processes meet quality standards through testing and documentation, often in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals or manufacturing. The role typically requires attention to detail, knowledge of validation protocols, and familiarity with tools like GxP or FDA regulations. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for specialization and advancement.

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 industry standards and experience with validation tools are also important.
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Validation Engineer jobs?

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Validation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Validation Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,517 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Validation Engineer / Validation Specialist

Rockville, MD • On-site

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc
See more jobs at Stark Pharma Solutions Incexternal

Contractor

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position: Validation Engineer / Validation Specialist
Location: Maryland
Duration: Long Term

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Validation Engineer / Validation Specialist to support equipment, utility, and process qualification activities within a GMP pharmaceutical/biotechnology manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will prepare and execute IQ, OQ, PQ, and Requalification (RQ) protocols, generate validation reports, develop technical documentation, and ensure compliance with cGMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare, execute, and document IQ, OQ, PQ, and Requalification (RQ) protocols for equipment and utilities.
  • Generate qualification reports, SOPs, specifications, methods, and other validation documentation.
  • Develop acceptance criteria based on industry standards, manufacturer recommendations, user requirements, and cGMP guidelines.
  • Perform thermal mapping studies using Kaye AVS or Veriteq data loggers.
  • Analyze validation data and verify compliance with acceptance criteria.
  • Investigate, document, and resolve deviations associated with qualification studies.
  • Support commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
  • Prepare technical reports, gap assessments, and risk assessments.
  • Provide technical support for troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and systems.
  • Perform technical reviews of qualification documents.
  • Support internal and external audit readiness activities.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 4 years of validation experience, or 8+ years of relevant validation experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience working in GMP pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environments.
  • Hands-on experience with Equipment Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ/RQ) activities.
  • Knowledge of cGMP regulations and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
  • Experience with aseptic manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with Kaye AVS or Veriteq thermal mapping systems.
  • Working knowledge of cleanrooms, sterilization equipment, HVAC, WFI, RO, CCA, computerized systems, and isolator technology.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office, EDMS, LIMS, and related documentation systems.
  • Strong technical writing, communication, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
  • Knowledge of maintenance and calibration procedures is preferred.