Senior Computer Systems Validation Engineer

Vaxcyte, Inc; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Equity component

Job summary

Vaxcyte, Inc in San Carlos, CA, is seeking a Senior Computer Systems Validation Engineer to lead validation activities for cloud-based GxP systems. The role requires extensive experience validating databases and applications within regulated biotech environments, focusing on compliance with FDA regulations.

This hybrid position mandates a minimum of 3 days onsite each week. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of relevant validation experience. Comprehensive benefits and competitive salary between $164,000 and $190,000 are included.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in Computer System Validation within biotech.
• Deep understanding of FDA 21 CFR requirements.
• Strong hands-on experience validating GxP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead lifecycle Computer System Validation activities for cloud-based GxP systems.
• Author, execute validation deliverables like Validation Plans and Risk Assessments.
• Participate in internal audits and regulatory inspections.

Skills

Technical knowledge of IT infrastructure

Software engineering

Strong technical writing skills

Communication skills

Experience with CI/CD pipelines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GAMP 5 systems

Azure

GitHub

Terraform

Job description

Senior Computer Systems Validation Engineer

Vaxcyte is a clinical‑stage vaccine innovation company engineering high‑fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from bacterial diseases such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella. Our path to success is clear and well defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance.

Core Values

• Rethink Convention: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re‑innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
• Aim High: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
• Lead With Heart: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness‑first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
• Model Excellence: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.

Summary

The Senior Computer Systems Validation (CSV) Engineer is responsible for leading validation activities for cloud‑based GxP systems to ensure they meet regulatory, quality, and operational requirements throughout the system lifecycle. The role focuses on traditional Computer System Validation with application of risk‑based Computer Software Assurance (CSA) principles where appropriate.

The individual will work closely with IT and Quality teams to validate and maintain GxP systems across their lifecycle. Strong experience validating relational databases, cloud infrastructure, and integrated applications in regulated biotech or pharmaceutical environments is required.

This is a hands‑on role requiring authoring and executing validation documents and protocols for GAMP 5 systems.

This is a hybrid role with minimum of 3 days a week onsite at San Carlos, CA location.

Essential Functions

• Hands‑on lead full lifecycle Computer System Validation activities for cloud‑based GxP systems including databases and applications.
• Author, update, execute and maintain validation deliverables such as Validation Plans, User Requirements, Functional Specifications, Risk Assessments, Traceability Matrices, IQ, OQ, PQ protocols, and Summary Reports.
• Perform risk assessments to define validation scope, testing strategy, and documentation requirements in alignment with CSA principles.
• Define and execute validation strategies for data platforms and system components, ensuring systems meet defined functional, security, and data integrity requirements.
• Assess and validate end‑to‑end data flows between upstream source systems and downstream applications to ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Evaluate system changes for validation impact and ensure validated systems remain compliant through appropriate testing and documentation.
• Ensure validation activities align with automated build and deployment pipelines, confirming that system releases maintain validated state and appropriate validation evidence is generated.
• Support change control, deviation management, periodic review, and lifecycle management of validated systems.
• Participate in internal audits and regulatory inspections, providing validation documentation and rationale as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of validation procedures aligned with evolving CSA guidance and cloud delivery models.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in Computer System Validation within biotech manufacturing and lab data systems. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Must have technical knowledge of IT infrastructure, software engineering, programming, databases and data integrations.
• Experience working in modern system environments utilizing CI/CD pipelines or automated release processes.
• Strong hands‑on experience validating GAMP 5 systems for biotech manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Part 210, Part 211, Annex 11, data integrity requirements, and risk‑based validation methodologies.
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to create comprehensive validation documentation.
• Ability to communicate validation risks and requirements clearly to IT and Quality stakeholders.

Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience validating cloud‑based GxP systems, specifically Azure.
• Familiarity with infrastructure as code frameworks like GitHub, Terraform, etc.
• Experience applying CSA principles to custom data applications in GxP cloud.
• Microsoft Azure or similar technical certifications.

Reports to: Senior Manager, Data Systems

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (minimum of 3 days per week)

Compensation

The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

Salary Range: $164,000 – $190,000 (SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non‑California locations may vary.

Relocation: This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.