Life As a Validation Engineer
Position Description Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
What Do Validation Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.
- Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
- Draw samples of raw materials, intermediate products, or finished products for validation testing.
- Validate or characterize sustainable or environmentally friendly products, using electronic testing platforms.
- Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.
- Devise automated lab validation test stations or other test fixtures or equipment.
Qualities of a Validation Engineer
Below is a list of the skills most Validation Engineers say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Design Assurance Manager
- Reliability Engineer
- Supplier Quality Engineer
- Validation Engineer
- Process Engineer
Job Outlook for Validation Engineers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 132,500 jobs in the United States for Validation Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Validation Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Validation Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Validation Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Validation Engineer ranges between $50,750 and $155,650.
Validation Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Validation Engineers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $115,710 |
Alaska | $114,040 |
Arizona | $94,450 |
Arkansas | $71,510 |
California | $107,700 |
Colorado | $111,610 |
Connecticut | $100,230 |
District of Columbia | $132,530 |
Florida | $82,970 |
Georgia | $93,580 |
Hawaii | $96,940 |
Idaho | $110,270 |
Illinois | $87,220 |
Indiana | $73,340 |
Iowa | $78,230 |
Kansas | $82,060 |
Kentucky | $79,690 |
Louisiana | $90,580 |
Maine | $85,800 |
Maryland | $118,420 |
Massachusetts | $109,220 |
Michigan | $90,420 |
Minnesota | $101,620 |
Mississippi | $79,630 |
Missouri | $86,850 |
Montana | $79,590 |
Nebraska | $82,760 |
Nevada | $94,950 |
New Hampshire | $99,070 |
New Jersey | $114,990 |
New Mexico | $114,790 |
New York | $95,270 |
North Carolina | $83,900 |
North Dakota | $83,270 |
Ohio | $93,370 |
Oklahoma | $83,080 |
Oregon | $90,720 |
Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
Rhode Island | $95,790 |
South Carolina | $100,750 |
South Dakota | $84,320 |
Tennessee | $82,030 |
Texas | $113,370 |
Utah | $89,810 |
Vermont | $81,960 |
Virginia | $118,390 |
Washington | $104,890 |
West Virginia | $91,420 |
Wisconsin | $86,600 |
Wyoming | $97,040 |
What Tools & Technology do Validation Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Validation Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- Email software
- MongoDB
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- IBM Notes
Becoming a Validation Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Validation Engineer?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Validation Engineer?
Validation Engineers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Validation Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Validation Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Declan Barnes via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.