Principal Validation Engineer

Cardinal Health · Indianapolis · $82,100–$128,920 (stated in the posting)

What Manufacturing Engineering contributes to Cardinal Health

Engineering is responsible for performing research and analyses to develop design options for components, products, systems and processes.

Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for developing manufacturing processes, production floor layouts and associated tools. Reviews new designs for manufacturability. Designs process improvements to reduce product cost, process cycle time and improved product quality.

Job Summary

The Principal Engineer, Manufacturing leads large capital engineering and product design projects. This job oversees the design of products. The job leads project teams to improve product design. The job is also responsible for project budgets. This job leads teams as necessary but is not be a people manager.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for complex validation activities, including process, equipment, cleaning, utility, facility, and computer system validation (CSV), providing advanced technical guidance for nuclear pharmaceutical manufacturing sites.
Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of complex validation projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of validation master plans, policies, and procedures, ensuring alignment with current industry best practices and evolving regulatory requirements (e.g., cGMP, FDA, EMA, ISO, and NRC).
Design, author, execute, and review complex validation protocols (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ) and reports, ensuring scientific soundness, statistical justification, and regulatory compliance.
Act as a lead investigator for complex deviations, out-of-specification results, and non-conformances related to validated systems, performing thorough root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Contribute to the development and implementation of risk-based validation strategies, including the application of Quality by Design (QbD) principles, to optimize validation efforts and ensure robust process control.
Represent the validation department during internal and external regulatory inspections and audits (e.g., FDA, EMA, NRC), providing detailed explanations and defending validation strategies and documentation.
Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, R&D, and Regulatory Affairs, to integrate validation requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced Validation Engineers, fostering their professional development and ensuring consistency in validation practices.
Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and processes for their impact on the validated state and develop appropriate validation approaches.
Stay abreast of emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and advanced validation methodologies, proactively integrating relevant updates into Cardinal Health's validation program.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical) or a related scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry) preferred. A master's degree is preferred.
6 - 10 years of progressive experience in validation within a cGMP pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environment preferred
Extensive experience with equipment, process, cleaning, utility, facility, media fill, and computer system validation (CSV) preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in regulatory requirements, including FDA (21 CFR Parts 210, 211, 820), EMA, ISO standards, and specifically NRC regulations relevant to nuclear pharmaceutical manufacturing preferred
Ability to manage weight up to 25 pounds
Proven track record of leading significant validation projects and contributing to successful regulatory audits preferred
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, with a focus on data integrity and statistical analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive them to successful completion.
Deep understanding of quality systems (e.g., deviations, CAPAs, change control) and their integration with validation activities preferred.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across various departments.
Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior colleagues.

What is expected of you and others at this level

Applies comprehensive knowledge and a thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and technical capabilities to perform varied tasks and projects
May contribute to the development of policies and procedures
Works on complex projects of large scope
Develops technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems
Solutions are innovative and consistent with organization objectives
Completes work; independently receives general guidance on new projects
Work reviewed for purpose of meeting objectives
May act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues

Anticipated salary range: $82,100 - $128,920

Bonus eligible: No

Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

Medical, dental and vision coverage
Paid time off plan
Health savings account (HSA)
401k savings plan
Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Work-Life resources
Paid parental leave
Healthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close: 12/2/2026 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.

The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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