Senior Instrument Validation Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Instrument Validation Scientist/Engineer

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Instrument Validation Scientist/Engineer to serve as the analytical instrumentation subject matter expert within a growing R&D laboratory organization. This highly visible role will lead instrument qualification, validation, compliance, and lifecycle management activities across a diverse analytical laboratory environment.

A key focus of this position will be supporting a major laboratory relocation project, including move planning, vendor management, instrument requalification, and compliance oversight. Following the relocation, the successful candidate will drive long-term instrumentation strategy, validation programs, data integrity initiatives, and laboratory operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a validation professional who enjoys project ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and working with advanced analytical technologies in a regulated environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesInstrument Validation & Lifecycle Management

• Serve as the subject matter expert for analytical instrumentation and associated software systems.
• Lead qualification activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ for laboratory instruments and software platforms.
• Develop, execute, review, and maintain validation protocols, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Manage the full lifecycle of analytical instruments from implementation and qualification through maintenance, periodic review, and retirement.
• Ensure instrumentation remains compliant with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.

Compliance & Data Integrity

• Maintain instrument software and databases in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Ensure audit trails, electronic records, electronic signatures, and data integrity controls are properly implemented and maintained.
• Support software validation and Computer System Validation (CSV) activities for instrument software and laboratory systems.
• Maintain audit readiness and assist with internal and external inspections.

Laboratory Relocation & Project Leadership

• Lead and support laboratory relocation initiatives, including risk assessments, move planning, and execution.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors on decommissioning, transportation, installation, and qualification activities.
• Plan and execute instrument requalification activities following laboratory moves.
• Implement strategies to minimize operational disruptions and maintain compliance throughout relocation projects.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with QA, IT, R&D, EHS, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution.
• Support LIMS implementation, administration, and integration efforts.
• Manage system access controls, user permissions, and software administration activities.
• Provide technical guidance and training on instrument qualification, validation, and compliant data management practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of experience supporting analytical instrumentation in regulated laboratory environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with instrument qualification, validation, and lifecycle management.
• Experience executing and documenting IQ/OQ/PQ protocols.
• Demonstrated expertise developing validation documentation and qualification reports.
• Experience supporting analytical platforms such as:
  • HPLC
  • LC-MS
  • GC
  • FTIR
  • GPC/GPC-MALS
  • Related analytical technologies
• Working knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity principles, and electronic records compliance.
• Experience with Computer System Validation (CSV) and laboratory software qualification.
• Experience supporting laboratory relocation projects, instrument moves, and requalification activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within Medical Device, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or Diagnostics organizations.
• LIMS implementation and administration experience.
• Familiarity with GC-MS, GC-FID, and advanced chromatography platforms.
• Experience supporting GMP-regulated environments.
• Experience authoring regulatory and quality documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause investigation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in a major laboratory expansion and relocation initiative.
• Lead high-impact validation and compliance projects with significant visibility across the organization.
• Work with advanced analytical instrumentation and laboratory informatics systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across QA, IT, R&D, and Operations.
• Influence instrumentation strategy, compliance programs, and operational excellence initiatives within a growing organization.

Work Environment

• Onsite position based in San Diego, CA.
• Standard schedule of approximately 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
• Fast-paced, GMP-regulated laboratory environment.
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and laboratory software platforms.
• Collaborative culture focused on quality, compliance, continuous improvement, and scientific innovation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $76.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.