Cleaning Validation Engineer

MedPharmDurham, NC

Apply with Sonara

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.¹

Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.

We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.

Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Education

Engineering (PE)

Career level

Senior-level

Remote

On-site

Benefits

Career Development

Job Description

Position Summary – The Cleaning Validation Engineer oversees the development, maintenance, and governance of MedPharm’s site-wide cleaning validation program across the full product lifecycle, from development through commercialization, ensuring compliance with cGMP, FDA, and global regulatory requirements.Supporting MedPharm’s growth into a late-stage, commercialization-focused CDMO, this role provides technical leadership, risk-based strategy, and operational discipline to ensure inspection readiness, prevent cross-contamination in a multi-product environment, and optimize manufacturing throughput. The role serves as an SME in CIP, COP, and manual cleaning processes, driving robust, efficient, and compliant validation strategies aligned with client expectations and business growth.Essential FunctionsCleaning Validation Program Ownership & Strategy

Develop and maintain the Cleaning Validation Master Plan (CVMP) in alignment with FDA, ICH Q9, ASTM E2500, and EU Annex 1
Establish lifecycle validation strategies (Stages 1–3, including CPV)
Define MACO and PDE-based acceptance limits using risk- and toxicology-based approaches

Validation Execution & Technical Leadership

Author, review, and approve validation protocols and reports (including IQ/OQ/PQ as applicable)
Design and execute validation studies (swab/rinse sampling, recovery studies, riboflavin coverage, CHT/DHT/CEHT)
Develop risk-based sampling strategies and worst-case scenarios based on equipment and contamination risk
Lead CQV activities for CIP, COP, parts washers, and manual cleaning systems

Cleaning Optimization & Troubleshooting

Optimize cleaning cycles using key parameters (flow, temperature, detergent, contact time)
Perform system performance analysis (spray coverage, flow distribution, conductivity return)
Investigate failures (TOC, residues, riboflavin) and implement CAPAs
Apply data-driven and DOE approaches to improve consistency and effectiveness

Compliance & Lifecycle Management

Ensure ongoing compliance through periodic review and trend analysis (TOC, conductivity, residues)
Support and represent cleaning validation during inspections and audits
Maintain inspection readiness through documentation, deviation, and CAPA management
Support change control and FMEA-based risk assessments

Collaboration & Training

Partner cross-functionally (Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Analytical, PM) to align strategies
Review GMP documentation (URS, FRS, P&IDs, equipment designs)
Train staff on cleaning procedures, inspection expectations, and sampling
Provide mentorship and technical leadership within the function

Standardization & Continuous Improvement

Develop and maintain SOPs, templates, and validation procedures
Drive standardization of cleaning validation practices
Implement improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and risk control

Supervisory responsibilities:

May provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior validation engineers or contractors
Lead training initiatives related to cleaning validation processes and compliance

Key Relationships:

Manufacturing Operations
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
Analytical Development / Laboratories
Engineering & Facilities
Project Management
Regulatory Affairs
Clients / External Auditors

Travel requirements:

Minimal travel required; occasional travel for client meetings, audits, or regulatory inspections

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline)
5–8+ years of experience in cleaning validation and CQV within pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or CDMO environments
Strong experience in multi-product GMP manufacturing environments, preferably including topical, semi-solid, or aseptic/fill-finish operations
Demonstrated experience supporting regulatory inspections and lifecycle cleaning validation programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Subject matter expertise in Cleaning Validation (CIP, COP, manual cleaning systems) and lifecycle validation
Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (FDA, cGMP, ICH Q9, ASTM E2500, EU Annex 1, GAMP 5, ALCOA+)
Expertise in:
- MACO & PDE calculations and toxicological risk assessments
- Cleaning cycle development, optimization, and troubleshooting
- Swab and rinse sampling strategies and recovery studies
- Cross-contamination control strategies in multi-product facilities
- Data analysis and trending (TOC, conductivity, residue monitoring)
Experience with:
- CIP system performance analysis (flow dynamics, spray coverage, conductivity return)
- Equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and utilities (WFI, clean steam, HVAC)
- Cleaning validation for process, fill-finish, and packaging equipment
Strong technical writing skills for protocols, reports, and SOPs
Excellent problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, there may be certain physical demands required for the position:

May be required to stand for extended periods within manufacturing environments
Occasional lifting of materials or equipment (up to 20 kg)
Exposure to GMP manufacturing areas including cleanrooms, laboratories, and production suites
May be exposed to varying temperatures, chemicals, and moderate noise levels in manufacturing settings

Other DutiesYou may be asked to take on any other responsibilities or tasks that are within your skills and abilities whenever reasonably asked.Limitations and DisclaimerThe above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The Company is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the workplace to ensure the role is accessible to all candidates, including those with disabilities. To perform the job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.

Apply with Sonara Apply manually

FAQs About Cleaning Validation Engineer Jobs at MedPharm

What is the work location for this position at MedPharm?

This job at MedPharm is located in Durham, NC, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at MedPharm?

Employer has not shared pay details for this role.

What employment applies to this position at MedPharm?

MedPharm lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at MedPharm?

MedPharm is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.

What education level is required for this job?

The education requirement for this position is Engineering (PE). Candidates with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience may also be considered.

What benefits are offered by MedPharm for this role?

MedPharm offers Career Development for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.

What is the process to apply for this position at MedPharm?

You can apply for this role at MedPharm either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.