About this role
Description
We are seeking a Senior Validation Engineer to support validation and qualification activities within a sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This is a highly hands-on position for an engineer who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, working directly with equipment and utilities, while also owning the documentation required to support validation activities.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience writing and executing IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, troubleshooting issues during execution, reviewing results, and completing final validation reports.
This is not a desk-only validation position. The engineer will be actively involved in field execution and work closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and other technical teams.
Key Responsibilities
Author and execute IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols for pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and systems
Perform hands-on field execution of qualification activities
Review and analyze test results and prepare final validation reports
Investigate and document discrepancies or deviations identified during protocol execution
Support qualification of equipment such as:
Aseptic filling systems
Autoclaves
Lyophilizers
Isolators / RABS
CIP/SIP systems
Sterile filtration systems
Support qualification of critical utilities including WFI, clean steam, HVAC, compressed air, and nitrogen
Participate in process validation, cleaning validation, and aseptic manufacturing activities
Support change controls, deviations, CAPAs, and risk assessments
Maintain validation activities in accordance with applicable FDA/cGMP and global regulatory requirements
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations throughout validation projects
What We're Looking For
Bachelors degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline
7+ years of validation experience within pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Experience working in sterile, aseptic, or injectable manufacturing environments
Strong hands-on experience executing IQ/OQ/PQ
Ability to independently write protocols, execute testing, analyze results, and complete reports
Experience qualifying pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and/or critical utilities
Strong technical writing and documentation skills
Comfortable spending significant time on the manufacturing floor performing validation work
Working knowledge of GMP requirements and regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing
Skills
Validation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, Pq, Oq, Iq, Gmp, Engineering, Validation protocols, Process validation, Pharmaceutical, Validation testing, Process engineering, Manufacturing engineering, Report writing, filling machine, aseptic, isolators, SIP, CIP, lyophilizers, autoclaves, hvac, plcs, plc troubleshooting, Automation
Top Skills Details
Validation,pharmaceutical manufacturing,Pq,Oq,Iq,Gmp
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Strong technical writing and documentation skills
Experience Level
Expert Level
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $117000.00 - $130000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Employee benefits include but not limited to:
Medical, Dental, Vision
PTO, Sick time and Holiday Pay
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa,CA.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.