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Validation Engineers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $57K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $71K
Median Salary: $88K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $111K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $136K
Demand
Core Tasks
Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.
Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.
Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
Prepare detailed reports or design statements, based on results of validation and qualification tests or reviews of procedures and protocols.
Maintain validation test equipment.
Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding compliance documentation or validation results.
Conduct validation or qualification tests of new or existing processes, equipment, or software in accordance with internal protocols or external standards.
Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.
Recommend resolution of identified deviations from established product or process standards.
Design validation study features, such as sampling, testing, or analytical methodologies.
Prepare validation or performance qualification protocols for new or modified manufacturing processes, systems, or equipment for production of pharmaceuticals, electronics, or other products.
Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.
Resolve testing problems by modifying testing methods or revising test objectives and standards.
Conduct audits of validation or performance qualification processes to ensure compliance with internal or regulatory requirements.
Draw samples of raw materials, intermediate products, or finished products for validation testing.
Direct validation activities, such as protocol creation or testing.
Coordinate the implementation or scheduling of validation testing with affected departments and personnel.
Participate in internal or external training programs to maintain knowledge of validation principles, industry trends, or novel technologies.
Plan or conduct validation testing of alternative energy products, such as synthetic jet fuels or energy storage systems, such as fuel cells.
Validate or characterize sustainable or environmentally friendly products, using electronic testing platforms.
Assist in training equipment operators or other staff on validation protocols and standard operating procedures.
Devise automated lab validation test stations or other test fixtures or equipment.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
86%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing
83%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language
75%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service
74%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
73%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
72%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical
67%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training
65%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management
63%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics
63%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Top 10 Skills
Reading Comprehension
83%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
80%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
80%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
80%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
78%
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
78%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Science
75%
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Learning
65%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
83%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Comprehension
83%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
83%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
80%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
80%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
80%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
80%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility
75%
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering
75%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Top 10 Work Activities
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
98%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Documenting/Recording Information
91%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information
91%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing Data or Information
89%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
89%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
87%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
86%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interacting With Computers
86%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information
86%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
84%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Detailed Work Activities
Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
Devise research or testing protocols.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Analyze test or validation data.
Inspect operational processes.
Operate computer systems.
Direct quality control activities.
Document technical design details.
Resolve operational performance problems.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
Maintain test equipment.
Update technical knowledge.
Maintain operational records or records systems.
Review technical documents to plan work.
Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Collect samples of raw materials or finished products.
Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
Work Context
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Industrial Engineers
Major
Interests
Investigative
86%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic
77%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
62%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
39%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
34%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
19%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
97%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
94%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Analytical Thinking
86%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Cooperation
82%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Adaptability/Flexibility
81%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence
81%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
80%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative
79%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence
78%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Work Values
Working Conditions
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
77%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence
77%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Support
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
