Validation scientist vs validation engineer

The differences between validation scientists and validation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a validation scientist and a validation engineer. Additionally, a validation engineer has an average salary of $82,004, which is higher than the $77,661 average annual salary of a validation scientist.

The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a validation engineer are python, FDA, and GMP.

Validation scientist vs validation engineer overview

	Validation Scientist	Validation Engineer
Yearly salary	$77,661	$82,004
Hourly rate	$37.34	$39.42
Growth rate	17%	3%
Number of jobs	48,711	28,394
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	41	43
Years of experience	4	4

What does a validation scientist do?

A Validation Scientist evaluates and validates products and procedures through the scientific perspective, typically by conducting laboratory tests and experiments. They conduct extensive research and analysis to ensure that products comply with industry standards and specifications, utilizing the research findings to develop solutions and recommendations. They are also in charge of establishing guidelines and test plans, maintaining all procedures while adhering to protocols and regulations. Moreover, a Validation Scientist manages a team of validation staff, working together to reach project goals.

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 scientist vs validation engineer salary

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

	Validation Scientist	Validation Engineer
Average salary	$77,661	$82,004
Salary range	Between $55,000 And $109,000	Between $62,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	Cupertino, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	Meta
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Technology

Differences between validation scientist and validation engineer education

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

	Validation Scientist	Validation Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Chemistry	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	University of Southern California	Georgia Institute of Technology

Validation scientist vs validation engineer demographics

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

	Validation Scientist	Validation Engineer
Average age	41	43
Gender ratio	Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	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 scientist and validation engineer duties and responsibilities

Validation scientist example responsibilities.

Manage customer complaints investigations using CAPA system.
Develop, implement, and maintain validation procedures according to regulatory requirements/guidelines (GMP, GLP, ICH, USP).
Perform technical writing including documentation of test methods and validation protocols in compliance with FDA regulations.
Audit the GMP labs for inspection readiness.
Conduct investigation process through CAPA system when adverse conditions are find.
Provide front line technical support for document management systems and SQL LIMS.

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 scientist vs validation engineer skills

Common validation scientist skills

FDA, 7%
Chemistry, 7%
GMP, 7%
Data Analysis, 5%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Method Validation, 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 Scientist vs Validation Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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