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The differences between validation engineers and design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a validation engineer, becoming a design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a validation engineer has an average salary of $82,004, which is higher than the $77,134 average annual salary of a design engineer.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.
| Validation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $77,134 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $37.08 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 138,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A validation engineer is an individual responsible for managing, inspecting, testing, and modifying the instrumentation, equipment, mechanics, and procedures for the production of high-quality products. The professional's tasks include analyzing test results, preparing compliance reports, and keeping updated with industry standards and regulations. Validation engineers should possess core skills such as strong mathematical and information technology skills and the ability to resolve complex engineering problems. Possessing a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is an advantage to qualify for the position.
A design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Validation engineers and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $77,134 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $57,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and a design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and design engineers' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 22.9% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |