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Junior

Validation Engineer 1

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Illumina

Illumina

Compensation

$62,900 - $94,300/year

US - California - San Diego
On-site
Posted April 8, 2026

Job Description

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

We're seeking a driven and talented Validation Engineer to support manufacturing operations through close collaboration with cross‑functional partners. This role is critical in defining, implementing, and maintaining validation activities that ensure robust, compliant manufacturing processes and systems.

The ideal candidate brings experience in quality engineering, process development, or process engineering, and can quickly develop while working independently within a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

As a Validation Engineer, you will play a key role in driving overall quality performance and compliance by leading validation deliverables and activities across manufacturing systems and processes.

Responsibilities:

  • Represent the Consumable Validation group as the validation subject matter expert in manufacturing operations value streams and project teams, ensuring validation requirements and deliverables are communicated to the teams. 

  • Develop and articulate robust strategies for validation of processes and systems through development and release of holistic validation plans.

  • In collaboration with end users, process owners, quality engineers and other team members, develop validation protocols and oversee execution of IQ, OQ, PQ for manufacturing processes and systems.

  • Write reports summarizing results and statistics for all equipment and process validation projects.

  • Be accountable for timely completion of all validation deliverables in accordance with manufacturing needs and project timelines.

  • Learn and understand the applicable technology and engage in technical discussions.

  • Provide consultation to other departments performing validation activities.

  • Provide input for creation of requirements documents.

  • Actively participate in creation of risk management documents such as pFMEA for systems and processes.

  • Perform job function in compliance with the internal procedures and applicable external regulations and standards, e.g. FDA QSR, ISO-13485.

  • Initiate and execute controlled document change requests.

  • Execute other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Experience:

  • 1-2 years of related Validation experience in the life science industry (i.e. medical device/IVD, pharmaceutical, biotech) is preferred.

  • Knowledge and working application of FDA and cGMP requirements.

  • Knowledge and working application of validation principles and guidelines and industry practice, FMEA, and Risk Management.

  • Knowledge and application of statistical techniques as a decision-making tool and practical experience in use of statistical analysis software JMP highly desirable.

  • Knowledge and working application of standard operating procedures.

  • Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  • Demonstrated analytical problem-solving skills.

  • Computer competency in MS Office.

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Adaptable to fast-paced, dynamic work environment with ability to manage projects methodically.

  • ValGenesis eVLMS and Teamcenter PLM experience is a plus.

Education:

  • Requires a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in engineering or science. 1-2 years of related experience is preferred. 

The estimated base salary range for the Validation Engineer 1 role based in the United States of America is: $62,900 - $94,300. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.


We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.