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VALIDATION ENGINEER
Natural problem-solvers, communicators and individuals with a strong science and math background may find their ideal career as a validation engineer. Working within the laboratory or manufacturing setting, validation engineers perform tests of the various equipment and instruments used within their particular work setting. By making exact measurements against established standards, validation engineers adjust equipment precisely. This process is known as calibrating, or validating, the equipment.
Engineers document their tests, and this data serves as important information for analysis by others within their departments, such as validation technicians.
Validation engineers also may be responsible for overseeing equipment decisions, such as determining what pieces need to be replaced and/or purchased. Working closely with contractors, suppliers and vendors, validation engineers diagnose equipment issues and install new equipment. In some biotechnology firms, validation engineers manage the equipment budget and train all personnel on new equipment. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of good manufacturing practices is a critical skill for validation engineers.
Career Opportunities
Most validation engineers work within an organizational department that has a clearly defined path for future career progression. Often, four positions with increasing responsibilities, authority and pay exist for validation engineers: Validation Engineer I, II, III and IV. Individuals with a master’s degree and several years of experience may enter management level positions. Others may choose to become independent contractors, consulting with biotechnology companies.
Education/Training
Even entry level validation engineer positions require a Bachelor of Science degree with several years of work experience in the field. Some individuals, such as those currently employed as validation technicians, may work toward bachelor’s or master’s degrees while working and gaining experience.
Validation engineers need strong computer and mechanical skills to understand and operate laboratory equipment. Additional training in specific standards and guidelines may be required.
Certification
Engineers may be required to obtain certification in equipment calibration. Many companies will arrange for this certification as part of the engineer’s work.
Salary
Compensation for validation engineers varies with experience and supervisory responsibility. Entry level engineers earn, on average, $48,919 annually, with this increasing to $64,312, $71,519 and $75,588 per level. Experienced engineers in management positions can earn up to $93,052 annually, according to salary.com. Salary information is current as of June 2008.
Related Links
http://www.biogenidec.com/site/careers.html
Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis.
http://www.biohealthmatics.com
This Web site is a career networking site specific to the biotechnology fields. The site includes an overview of the validation engineer job.
http://www.novozymes.com/en/mainstructure/careers
Novozymes creates bio-industrial products by using enzymes for such things as waste water cleanup, house cleaners and lawn maintenance.
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