Validation manager vs validation engineer

The differences between validation managers and validation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a validation manager, becoming a validation engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a validation manager has an average salary of $127,882, which is higher than the $82,004 average annual salary of a validation engineer.

The top three skills for a validation manager include project management, QC and FDA. The most important skills for a validation engineer are python, FDA, and GMP.

Validation manager vs validation engineer overview

	Validation Manager	Validation Engineer
Yearly salary	$127,882	$82,004
Hourly rate	$61.48	$39.42
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	14,200	28,394
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	48	43
Years of experience	6	4

What does a validation manager do?

A Validation Manager oversees and validates manufacturing plants' daily operations, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. They often inspect information technology systems and machinery, review specifications and documentation, gather and analyze feedback, and observe various areas' maintenance procedures. It is also their responsibility to manage validation teams, supervising them while implementing policies and regulations. Moreover, a Validation Manager develops validation plans for various facilities and produces detailed reports, along with recommendations and conclusions.

What does a validation engineer do?

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.

Validation manager vs validation engineer salary

Validation managers and validation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Validation Manager	Validation Engineer
Average salary	$127,882	$82,004
Salary range	Between $99,000 And $163,000	Between $62,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Cupertino, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	California
Best paying company	Meta	Meta
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Technology

Differences between validation manager and validation engineer education

There are a few differences between a validation manager and a validation engineer in terms of educational background:

	Validation Manager	Validation Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Business	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Stanford University	Georgia Institute of Technology

Validation manager vs validation engineer demographics

Here are the differences between validation managers' and validation engineers' demographics:

	Validation Manager	Validation Engineer
Average age	48	43
Gender ratio	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.0% White, 69.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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%
LGBT Percentage	8%	5%

Differences between validation manager and validation engineer duties and responsibilities

Validation manager example responsibilities.

Manage the CSV project that validate 76 within 17 months saving $1.0 MM out of $8.8MM.
Implement a regression process, and manage the execution of the regression testing.
Manage an SSD validation team responsible for testing and debugging the next generation PCIe SSD's.
Manage QA disposition and review of commercial stability material and conduct investigations on out-of-specification/anomalous results.
Coordinate site training requirements, deliver GMP and technical specific training, create and manage associated metrics.
Perform computer and control system validation for QC analytical instrumentation and manufacturing process systems.

Validation engineer example responsibilities.

Manage the DFMEA and risk assessment/mitigation as development are on-going.
Manage a team of 15 technicians testing Intel's wireless products across all Microsoft's OS offerigns.
Coordinate a division of labor and manage next steps to validate SVM on Broadwell (BDW) client CPU.
Manage CSV quality compliance by meeting factory, corporate, federal and foreign inspections demonstrating regulatory control with no major findings.
Work with end users from different departments, possess strong analytical and risk assessment skills and managing multiple GLP system projects.
Coordinate and manage daily CIP validation testing activities.

Validation manager vs validation engineer skills

Common validation manager skills

Project Management, 7%
QC, 6%
FDA, 6%
Cleaning Validation, 5%
Regression, 5%
Regulatory Agencies, 4%

Common validation engineer skills

Python, 7%
FDA, 6%
GMP, 6%
Medical Devices, 5%
Test Results, 4%
Data Analysis, 4%

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Validation Manager
Validation Manager vs Validation Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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