Process Validation Engineer
Role Overview
The Senior Process Validation Engineer will independently author and execute process validation deliverables across the validation lifecycle, partnering closely with Manufacturing Sciences (MSAT), Manufacturing, Quality, and Process Development. As a senior individual contributor, this person is expected to own deliverables with minimal oversight and drive cross-functional alignment. The role centers on Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) and Continued Process Verification (CPV) for commercial drug substance processes, with an emphasis on right-first-time documentation and on-time execution.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Senior Process Validation Engineer (Consultant) — Contract
Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a biotech manufacturing site in Northern California.
Location
- Northern CA (onsite)
- Type: Contract / consulting — initial term approximately 6–7 months, with a strong likelihood of extension
- Start: ASAP
About the Engagement
Valspec is seeking a Senior Process Validation Engineer to support large-scale biologics drug substance manufacturing at a major biotech site in Northern California. This is a consulting engagement supporting an active validation effort, so we need a senior-level candidate who can hit the ground running — owning validation deliverables independently in a GMP environment with minimal ramp-up.
Why this engagement stands out
High-visibility validation work at a major biotech site.
Initial 6–7 month term with a strong likelihood of extension (not guaranteed, but the work pipeline points that way).
Role Overview
The Senior Process Validation Engineer will independently author and execute process validation deliverables across the validation lifecycle, partnering closely with Manufacturing Sciences (MSAT), Manufacturing, Quality, and Process Development. As a senior individual contributor, this person is expected to own deliverables with minimal oversight and drive cross-functional alignment. The role centers on Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) and Continued Process Verification (CPV) for commercial drug substance processes, with an emphasis on right-first-time documentation and on-time execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Author, execute, and report on PPQ protocols for drug substance manufacturing processes.
- Support the full process validation lifecycle — Stage 1 (process design) through Stage 2 (PPQ) and Stage 3 (Continued Process Verification).
- Develop and maintain control strategy elements, process monitoring plans, and CPV trending.
- Perform statistical analysis of process data (capability, trending, limits) using Minitab or JMP.
- Author and review validation deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and change controls within GMP quality systems.
- Partner cross-functionally with MSAT/Manufacturing Sciences, Manufacturing, QA, and Process Development to align validation activities with production schedules.
- Support process characterization and tech-transfer activities as needed.
- Ensure all work complies with FDA process validation guidance, ICH Q8–Q12, and EU GMP (Annex 15).
- Maintain accurate, audit-ready GMP documentation and validation records.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Chemical, Biochemical, or Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related technical field.
- 8+ years of process validation experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech GMP manufacturing environment, at a senior/lead level.
- Hands-on experience authoring and executing PPQ protocols and reports.
- Working knowledge of the process validation lifecycle and current FDA process validation guidance.
- Statistical analysis experience using Minitab or JMP.
- Strong GMP technical writing skills.
- Able to work onsite in Northern California and be fully productive from day one given the short engagement window.
Preferred Qualifications
- Large-scale biologics drug substance experience (mammalian cell culture and downstream purification).
- Prior experience at a large-scale commercial biologics manufacturer.
- Familiarity with relevant unit operations: bioreactors, chromatography, UF/DF, viral filtration.
- Experience with electronic batch records / MES and validation lifecycle management systems.
- Tech-transfer experience.
What Makes a Strong Fit for This Engagement
Because this is a focused, senior-level engagement, the ideal candidate is a career consultant or contractor who has owned PPQ campaigns end-to-end and can be fully productive almost immediately — there isn't runway for a long ramp. Prior large-scale biologics drug substance experience and recent contract history are strong positive signals. Local or relocation-ready candidates are preferred given the onsite requirement in Northern California.
Join Us
Salary Range: $75 - $85 / hourly range is an estimate of pay for project-based employment. Range varies based on knowledge and experience. Higher rates possible for short-term assignments and independent contractors. If you are a dedicated Process Engineer with a passion for ensuring the quality and compliance of manufacturing processes in the biopharmaceutical industry, we want to hear from you! Join us on our mission to revolutionize medicine and transform lives. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in California and beyond.
Why Join Valspec?
At Valspec, we offer more than just a job — we provide a career experience rooted in a standout culture, collaborative environment, and a strong sense of ownership. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, every team member has a stake in our success, fostering a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. We also offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:
Premium medical coverage
401(k) with company match
Tuition reimbursement
Unique performance incentives
And more — all designed to support your growth, well-being, and future.
Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is shared.
When receiving e-mails from a Proconex or Valspec recruiter, you will only receive e-mails from addresses ending in @proconexdirect.com, @proconex.net or @valspec.net. Any other domains are impersonations and should be ignored.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States without company sponsorship. Also, we are not interested in working on a corp-to-corp basis with other companies at this time.
Any third-party unsolicited resume submission(s) will immediately become the property of Valspec. Valspec will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.
Valspec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected class. We are committed to providing a professional environment free of any discrimination or harassment, and we are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace.
About Valspec
An ESOP consulting firm providing digital and conventional validation and lifecycle services to life sciences manufacturers.
Visit company websiteJobs and hiring trendsApply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at Valspec
Process Equipment Engineer
, USA
MES / Manufacturing Systems SME
, USA
Kneat Paperless Validation Consultant
, USA
Sr. Validation Engineer
, USA
Senior Quality Assurance (QA) Consultant
, USA
General Application or Referral
Royersford, USA
CQV Consultant - California
San Diego, USA
Validation Engineer (CSV)
Seattle, USA