Process Validation Engineer
About the role
Valspec is seeking a Senior Process Validation Engineer to support large-scale biologics drug substance manufacturing at a major biotech site in the San Diego area. This is a consulting engagement supporting an active validation effort, requiring a senior-level candidate who can hit the ground running.
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).
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 the San Diego area 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
- Career consultant or contractor with prior large-scale biologics drug substance experience.
- Recent contract history.
- Local or relocation-ready candidates preferred due to the onsite requirement in the San Diego area.
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.
- Benefits: Premium medical coverage, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, unique performance incentives, and more.
Why Join Valspec?
- Standout culture and collaborative environment.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company model.
- Committed to providing a professional environment free of discrimination or harassment.
- Drug-free workplace policy.
- Equal opportunity employer.