Validation Engineers

Career summary

Validation engineers help to install new equipment. They take exact measurements and calibrate (or validate) the new equipment to ensure it is working to precise standards. They often train technicians to use the equipment. After equipment is installed, validation engineers troubleshoot if there are any problems with it.

Engineers keep detailed records and provide this information to those who work with the equipment. They need to be very detail-oriented and have good math, science, and computer science skills.

Validation engineers often work in biotechnology and medical fields. The green sector of the economy also requires these specialists to make manufacturing more efficient and to fine tune equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Computer Network Architects
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Energy Engineers
• Industrial Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Nuclear Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to validation engineers.

• Make tests to validate production methods, systems, or equipment.
• Coordinate validation testing with affected departments and personnel.
• Check test data to see if systems or processes have met set goals. Use data to find the causes of production problems.
• Study products or customer requirements. Talk with companies to set validation goals and standards.
• Use computers to track validation activities, data, or outcomes.
• Write, maintain, or read papers such as production change notices, diagrams, and protocols.
• Fix problems by changing testing methods or adjusting test goals and standards.
• Write reports on validation tests or reviews of processes and methods.
• Find differences between product designs and actual products. Give advice on ways to correct problems.
• Help create new validation tests or processes.

Common work activities

Validation engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Evaluate information against standards
• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Analyze data or information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Use computers
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop and build teams
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Teach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop goals and strategies
• Coach others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, validation engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They work with other engineers and workers, but also spend time analyzing test results and making changes to machines.
• Communicate via e-mail, telephone, or in-person discussions. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations in which others may become upset or angry.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
• Are somewhat responsible for work outcomes and the work done by others.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Are occasionally exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Sometimes wear protective or safety gear.
• Almost always work indoors.
• Sometimes work near others, usually within a few feet.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when testing and adjusting equipment.
• Usually do not consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
• Meet strict daily and weekly deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Often make decisions that strongly impact coworkers and their company.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard work week, but overtime may be common if a deadline is approaching or if equipment is malfunctioning.

Physical demands

Validation engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for validation engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for validation engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Skills and abilities

Validation engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Engineering Mechanics
• Manufacturing Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Engineering, General
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Instrumentation Technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Pre-Engineering
• Quality Control Technology

Training

To work as a validation engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in engineering. While there are some specific validation engineering programs, most students study for this occupation by getting a degree in mechanical or industrial engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer these programs of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching validation engineering at a college, you need a PhD. Also, many student engineers go to graduate school to specialize in an area of validation engineering.

Work experience

Consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

In general, validation engineers receive one to six months of on-the-job training. New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. As you gain knowledge and experience you have greater independence and work on more difficult tasks.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Validation engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Electronics
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that validation engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some employers prefer people who have experience in quality control. Employers also look for people with strong communication and mechanical skills. Certification or licensing may also be required.

Cost to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay a fee for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

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Wages

#Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for validation engineers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineers.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of training, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Validation engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for validation engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand is growing slower than average for this occupation. Some of the job growth for validation engineers will be due to the growing green sector of the economy. Validation engineers will be needed to help make manufacturing more efficient. They will also be needed to help design and test new technologies.

Job prospects will be best for engineers with strong mechanical, computing, and communication skills. Openings will occur each year as workers leave this occupation or retire.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for validation engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Society for Quality 
PO Box 3005
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3005
800.248.1946

Bioscience Careers--Validation Engineer 
(Information from North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research)

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future 

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900

International Society of Automation 
67 TW Alexander Drive
PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919.549.8411

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

Parenteral Drug Association 
Bethesda Towers
4350 East West Highway, Suite 600
Bethesda, MD 20814

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Validation Engineers (17-2199.02) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Quality Control Engineer (012.167-054) 
• Value Engineer (002.167-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional