Validation Engineer

QPS Holdings, LLC; Groningen; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Primary and secondary benefits

Collaborative environment

Job summary

QPS Netherlands is seeking a practical Validation Engineer to support two Groningen facilities. You will ensure lab equipment, software, and facilities remain validated, functional, and compliant. In this role you will plan IQ/OQ/PQ activities, manage calibration and maintenance, and maintain thorough documentation.

You will work with Quality, vendors, and lab teams to drive continuous improvement. A hands-on, detail-oriented professional with a degree in engineering or life sciences, strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Experience with equipment validation and qualification in a regulated lab.
• Proficiency in documentation and SOP maintenance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and training abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan IQ/OQ/PQ tests for lab equipment and software.
• Maintain validated state through calibration and maintenance.
• Prepare and review validation reports and SOPs.
• Investigate issues with risk assessment and root-cause analysis.
• Train staff on equipment use and technical developments.
• Support quality system and broader maintenance tasks.

Skills

Validation

Documentation

Risk assessment

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Communication

Education

BSc in Engineering

HBSc or equivalent in Life Sciences

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Calibration software

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.