Validation Engineer

QPS Holdings, LLC; Groningen; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

QPS Netherlands is seeking a practical Validation Engineer to support two Groningen laboratories. You will manage validation activities, coordinate maintenance and calibration, and ensure documentation remains compliant.

You will collaborate with Quality, vendors, and technical specialists to maintain validated state across equipment, software, and facilities. You will lead IQ/OQ/PQ execution, develop or improve validation protocols, and train staff on proper equipment and software use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (HBO/BSc) in Engineering, Life Sciences, Laboratory Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with equipment validation, qualification, maintenance, calibration, or technical support in a regulated lab.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and supporting software preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; risk assessment, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis.
• Strong planning and project coordination; ability to maintain compliant documentation.
• Practical, flexible, quality-focused, with attention to standards and results.
• Effective communication; able to train and advise colleagues with stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with LIMS or similar systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and perform IQ/OQ/PQ for laboratory equipment and software, including requalification.
• Maintain validated state by coordinating maintenance, calibration, repairs, and software updates.
• Prepare, review, and improve validation protocols, reports, equipment records, SOPs, and other documentation.
• Investigate issues using risk assessment and root-cause analysis; implement improvements.
• Participate in evaluation, selection, implementation, and validation of new equipment and software.
• Train and advise laboratory personnel on correct use of equipment, software, and facilities.
• Perform activities within the QPS quality system and support broader maintenance tasks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Risk assessment

Troubleshooting

Planning & coordination

Communication

Training colleagues

Microsoft Office

LIMS software

Education

Bachelor's degree (HBO/BSc) in Engineering or Life Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

LIMS

Job description

Job Description

Validation Engineer

Location: Groningen, The Netherlands

Work arrangement: 100% onsite across our 2 Groningen facilities

QPS Netherlands is part of the global QPS organization, a leading full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO). Together with colleagues around the world, we support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in developing new medicines that improve lives.

We are looking for a practical and detail-oriented Validation Engineer to support our local laboratory operations across 2 Groningen locations: our main site and a new laboratory approximately 4 km away.

The Role

As Validation Engineer, you will help ensure that laboratory equipment, software, and facilities remain operational, reliable, and compliant. You will manage validation activities, coordinate maintenance and calibration, troubleshoot technical issues, and maintain accurate documentation.

Reporting to local leadership, you will work closely with laboratory teams, Quality, vendors, and technical specialists across our Groningen facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Plan, coordinate, and perform Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), including requalification, for laboratory equipment and related software.
• Maintain the operational and validated state of equipment, software, and facilities by coordinating maintenance, calibration, repairs, and software updates.
• Prepare, review, and improve validation protocols, reports, equipment records, SOPs, and other controlled documentation.
• Investigate technical issues using risk assessment and root-cause analysis, implement solutions, and identify opportunities to improve performance, efficiency, and quality.
• Participate in the evaluation, selection, implementation, and validation of new equipment and software.
• Train and advise laboratory personnel on the correct use of equipment, software, and facilities, as well as relevant technical developments.
• Perform assigned activities within the QPS quality system and support broader maintenance engineering tasks when needed.

Job Requirements

What We Seek

• A bachelor's degree (HBO/BSc) in Engineering, Life Sciences, Laboratory Technology, or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Relevant experience with equipment validation, qualification, maintenance, calibration, or technical support, preferably within a regulated laboratory or industry.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and supporting software is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including risk assessment, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
• Strong planning and project coordination skills, with the administrative precision needed to maintain clear and compliant documentation.
• A practical, flexible, and quality-focused approach, with a strong concern for standards and results.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to train and advise colleagues while working with laboratory teams, Quality, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with LIMS or similar laboratory and business systems would be an advantage.

What We Offer

• A varied, hands-on technical role within an international CRO.
• The opportunity to support multiple laboratory operations across 2 nearby Groningen locations.
• Broad involvement in validation, equipment, software, facilities, and continuous improvement.
• Professional development within an experienced and quality-focused organization.
• Competitive salary and excellent primary and secondary employment benefits.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.

Vaccination Protocol

At QPS, we are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace. Our vaccination program, including Hepatitis B, supports that commitment. Participation may be required for some roles and voluntary or encouraged for others. By applying, you acknowledge your understanding of this policy.