Senior Validation Engineer - CSV (OT)

Lonza; Vacaville (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Lonza in Vacaville, California is hiring a Senior Validation Engineer to lead validation processes for manufacturing systems. This full-time role requires strong cGMP knowledge and a bachelor's degree in engineering or life sciences. The ideal candidate has 5-8 years of experience in validation and exhibits strong technical skills.

The position offers a base annual salary of $93,000 to $155,000, along with benefits such as a performance-related bonus, health insurance, and a 401(k) matching plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in validation within pharmaceutical or biotechnology.
• Extensive knowledge of FDA, EMA, and cGMP regulatory requirements.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead validation activities for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Author and approve validation protocols and reports.
• Coordination of projects with Engineering, MSAT, Manufacturing, and Quality.

Skills

cGMP compliance

Technical writing

Problem-solving skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Life Sciences

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Distributed Control System (DCS)

Manufacturing Control System (MCS)

Job description

Location: Vacaville, California

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $93,000 to $155,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching plan
• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Paid Time Off

The Senior Validation Engineer (Computer System Validation) - Operational Technology, at Lonza will be responsible for leading and executing validation activities for manufacturing processes, equipment, computerized systems, and automation control systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards. This role requires a strong understanding of cGMP principles and a proven track record in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environment.

What you will do:

• Responsible for oversight and performance of Commissioning and Qualification of computerized equipment, utility systems, facilities, automation control systems, and site computerized systems.
• Leverage risk management principles to drive risk‑based validation testing and decision‑making.
• Author, review and approve validation master plans, project plans, validation protocols, validation reports, deviations, and change controls in accordance with Lonza's quality management system.
• Develop, execute, and review validation protocols (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ) for new and modified equipment, processes, and systems.
• Peer review/approve validation protocols, and summary reports generated by junior and contract personnel; monitor and track validation schedules and progress, escalating any potential delays or issues to management.
• Provide technical leadership by representing Engineering Validation on project teams and coordinate activities of Engineering, MSAT, Manufacturing, Quality, and other Vacaville groups required to manage projects.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and technical explanations of validation activities.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Computer Science, Information Technology), Life Sciences, a related field or significant related work experience.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in validation within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry.
• Extensive knowledge of cGMP, FDA, EMA, and other relevant regulatory requirements for validation activities.
• Proven experience with validation of the Process Automation Systems, Distributed Control System (DCS), Manufacturing Control System (MCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Building Automation System (BAS) and manufacturing equipment/systems is required.
• Experience with server administration, NetApp storage technologies, and core network infrastructure fundamentals will be a plus.
• Direct validation experience and/or GMP operations experience with increasing levels of responsibility for a wide range of validation projects including validation of large-scale biochemical manufacturing equipment, facilities, utility, automation and computerized systems.
• Strong technical writing, verbal communication, interpersonal and problem‑solving skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team, organize and manage individuals as well as lead larger scale projects.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reference: R76681