Home Jobs Laboratory Validation Engineer
Back to Jobs

Laboratory Validation Engineer - Job Opportunity at Dillon Engineering Services

Westport, Ireland
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: July 3, 2025
On-site
€35-€40 per hour

Benefits

Opportunity to work with leading pharmaceutical manufacturing facility providing exposure to industry-best practices and cutting-edge validation technologies
Access to diverse validation projects across multiple business units offering accelerated skill development and portfolio expansion
Direct involvement in regulatory compliance activities including HPRA, FDA, and GMP standards enhancing professional credibility
Participation in internal and external audit programs providing valuable regulatory experience
Contribution to Environmental, Health & Safety initiatives demonstrating commitment to comprehensive professional development

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic implementation of Site Validation Master Plan encompassing prospective, concurrent, and retrospective validation studies that directly impact product quality and regulatory compliance
Serve as the primary validation authority for new equipment and process implementations, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems while maintaining regulatory standards
Function as the central coordination point for validation projects, managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships and ensuring timely delivery of critical documentation
Execute comprehensive validation documentation review and approval processes that safeguard product integrity and support regulatory submissions
Drive collaborative validation project delivery through effective coordination with engineering teams and adherence to strict pharmaceutical manufacturing timelines
Conduct strategic risk assessments and design reviews across business units, contributing to enterprise-wide quality and safety initiatives
Manage performance metrics reporting for QMS, EHS, and ComplianceWire systems, providing critical data for organizational decision-making
Support high-stakes regulatory activities including Product Quality Reviews, regulatory submissions, and laboratory equipment evaluations that impact market authorization
Maintain current expertise in evolving regulatory guidance, positioning the organization for proactive compliance with emerging requirements
Lead audit preparation and response activities, representing the organization's validation capabilities to regulatory authorities and external auditors
Champion continuous improvement initiatives through active participation in departmental strategy meetings and site-wide quality enhancement programs

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in a science-based or engineering discipline is essential

Experience

Experience in a pharmaceutical or GMP-regulated environment is required

Required Skills

Strong project management and organisational skills Proficient in Microsoft Office applications Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written Proven ability to manage conflict and navigate challenging situations Subject matter expertise in one or more areas such as Equipment, Facility, Aseptic Processes, Process Validation, Continued Process Verification (CPV), Computer System Validation (CSV), or Cleaning Validation
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented regulatory scrutiny with enhanced focus on validation protocols and documentation integrity, driven by recent FDA guidance updates and increased post-market surveillance requirements. This trend is creating sustained demand for validation engineers who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining operational efficiency. Digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing is accelerating the adoption of computerized systems and automated validation processes, requiring validation engineers to develop expertise in Computer System Validation (CSV) and electronic documentation management. Organizations are increasingly seeking professionals who can bridge traditional validation practices with modern digital workflows. The shift towards continuous manufacturing and real-time release testing is fundamentally changing validation approaches, with greater emphasis on Continued Process Verification (CPV) and risk-based validation strategies. This evolution is creating opportunities for validation engineers who can implement innovative validation frameworks while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Salary Evaluation

The hourly rate of €35-€40 represents a competitive compensation package for mid-level validation engineers in the Irish pharmaceutical sector, translating to approximately €72,800-€83,200 annually based on standard contract hours. This rate aligns with market standards for specialized validation roles in regional pharmaceutical hubs, though it may be slightly below Dublin market rates but compensated by lower cost of living in Westport.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a validation team of 3-8 professionals, with this role serving as a senior individual contributor who coordinates with fellow validation engineers and interfaces with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.
This mid-level position carries significant responsibility as the primary validation authority for the site, with direct influence over product quality and regulatory compliance. The role demonstrates clear leadership expectations through coordination of validation projects and representation in audit activities, positioning the incumbent as a key technical decision-maker within the quality organization.

Key Projects

Implementation of validation protocols for new pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and facility modifications Leading computer system validation initiatives for laboratory information management systems and automated testing equipment Conducting comprehensive cleaning validation studies for multi-product manufacturing facilities Managing process validation activities for new product introductions and manufacturing process changes

Success Factors

Deep understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions (HPRA, FDA, EMA) combined with practical experience in applying these standards to complex manufacturing environments. Success requires the ability to interpret regulatory guidance and translate requirements into actionable validation strategies. Exceptional project management capabilities with proven ability to coordinate multiple validation activities simultaneously while maintaining rigorous attention to detail and adherence to timelines. The role demands strong organizational skills to manage the extensive documentation requirements inherent in pharmaceutical validation. Technical expertise in specialized validation areas such as Computer System Validation, Cleaning Validation, or Aseptic Process Validation, enabling the professional to serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance to colleagues and stakeholders. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills essential for coordinating with diverse teams, presenting to senior management, and representing the organization during regulatory inspections and audits.

Market Demand

High demand driven by Ireland's position as a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub with significant investment from multinational companies requiring skilled validation professionals to support facility expansions and regulatory compliance initiatives.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project management and organizational skills are absolutely essential given the complex, multi-stakeholder nature of validation projects and the strict timelines associated with pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. These skills directly impact the success of validation activities and the organization's ability to meet regulatory commitments and commercial objectives. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities are crucial for navigating the complex technical and regulatory challenges inherent in pharmaceutical validation. These skills enable the professional to develop innovative solutions while maintaining compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Clear and effective communication skills are vital for coordinating with diverse stakeholders, documenting validation activities, and representing the organization during regulatory inspections. The ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is essential for success in this role.

Beneficial Skills

Expertise in emerging validation technologies such as continuous manufacturing validation and real-time release testing methodologies will become increasingly valuable as the pharmaceutical industry adopts more sophisticated manufacturing approaches. Knowledge of data integrity principles and electronic records management is becoming essential as pharmaceutical companies face increased regulatory scrutiny around data governance and computerized system validation. Understanding of risk-based validation approaches and statistical process control methods will enhance the professional's ability to develop efficient validation strategies that balance regulatory compliance with operational efficiency.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the distinctive opportunity to serve as the primary validation authority for a pharmaceutical manufacturing site, providing exceptional visibility into all aspects of validation operations and direct interaction with senior management and regulatory authorities.
The position combines strategic planning responsibilities through the Site Validation Master Plan with hands-on technical work across multiple validation disciplines, offering a comprehensive skill development opportunity rarely available in larger validation organizations.
Direct involvement in regulatory audit preparation and participation provides invaluable experience in regulatory interaction and compliance demonstration, skills that are highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry.
The role's emphasis on cross-functional collaboration across business units offers exposure to diverse aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing beyond traditional validation boundaries, enhancing overall industry knowledge and career prospects.

Career Growth

Career progression to senior validation engineer typically occurs within 3-5 years, with advancement to management positions possible within 5-7 years for high-performing individuals who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strategic thinking.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Validation Engineer with expanded scope including validation strategy development and mentoring of junior staff Validation Manager overseeing validation operations across multiple sites or business units Quality Assurance Manager with broader responsibility for quality systems and regulatory compliance Regulatory Affairs Specialist focusing on validation aspects of regulatory submissions and agency interactions

Company Overview

Dillon Engineering Services

Dillon Engineering Services operates as a specialized staffing and consulting firm serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in Ireland. The company focuses on providing skilled technical professionals to support validation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance activities for major pharmaceutical manufacturers throughout the region.

Established as a recognized staffing partner for pharmaceutical companies in Ireland, with particular strength in placing validation and quality professionals in both multinational corporations and emerging biotechnology companies. The company maintains relationships with major pharmaceutical manufacturers across Ireland's pharmaceutical corridor.
Strong presence in Ireland's pharmaceutical manufacturing regions, particularly in counties Mayo, Cork, and Dublin, where the company supports major pharmaceutical facilities operated by global companies. The focus on Westport indicates engagement with significant pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in the region.
Contract-based assignments typically offer exposure to diverse validation challenges and the opportunity to work with multiple pharmaceutical companies, providing accelerated professional development and expanded industry networks. The consulting environment emphasizes technical expertise, adaptability, and the ability to quickly integrate into existing teams.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.