Validation Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Validation Engineer jobs in Illinois are in consistent demand, with strong hiring concentrated in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device production, and food and beverage processing across a range from entry-level associate validation roles through senior and principal engineers. Chicago, the North Shore suburbs around Lake County, and the greater Peoria area are the primary hiring centers, with established employers like Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, and Caterpillar maintaining ongoing validation headcount in the state. The most sought-after specializations in Illinois listings are CSV (computer system validation), process validation under FDA frameworks, and equipment qualification. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Validation Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 20+ Validation Engineer jobs
Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
About IPSD:
Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L engines that not only power Caterpillar machines, but also power over 5000 other applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.
Job Summary:
Caterpillar's IPSD Engine Performance Development is looking for a person to serve as Senior Engineer – Test / Validation in our Power Systems Lab at the Technical Center. In this role, you will be responsible for delivery of engine development programs for IPSD’s 9-liter through 18-liter machine and commercial product offerings. This position is responsible for leading a team of engineers to direct work through the test cell, use data analysis tools to process and summarize data, create engine and aftertreatment calibrations based on both test data and modeling tools and certify the final engine calibration. This position collaborates with highly engaged and technically capable team members, as well as managing multiple projects and assignments simultaneously that are complex in nature which support and enhance Caterpillar product performance, durability, reliability, quality, and serviceability.
What You Will Do:
- Lead a team of test engineers and lab support staff to plan & execute engine development and certification plans
- Optimize engine and aftertreatment calibration within requirements, hardware limits, and emissions regulations; populate corresponding maps to build calibration into software.
- Create and influence new rating development tools and procedures for next generation diesel engine calibration. Author new standard work and training documents for use by other team members.
- Contribute to multiple New Product Introduction (NPI) rating development projects, New Technology Integration (NTI) projects, and emissions certification projects
- Translate technical requirements into detailed plan test plans, instrumentation requirements, and mitigation plans for test cell work; communicate results
- Support Built-In-Quality (BIQ) efforts to reduce inefficiency in design and test lab processes
What You Will Have:
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.
Education: Degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum or equivalent experience working in an Engineering function.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
- Experience with engine combustion & emissions performance, engine calibration, & lab testing.
- Engine simulation experience, preferably performance based in Dynasty, GT Power, or Simulation / Application.
- Passion for engine performance calculations, detailed data analysis, and tool development.
- Willingness to work on a broad range of engine applications.
- Ability to mentor team members by technical guidance.
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI
Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
November 13, 2026 - November 20, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
About IPSD:
Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L engines that not only power Caterpillar machines, but also power over 5000 other applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.
Job Summary:
Caterpillar's IPSD Engine Performance Development is looking for a person to serve as Senior Engineer – Test / Validation in our Power Systems Lab at the Technical Center. In this role, you will be responsible for delivery of engine development programs for IPSD’s 9-liter through 18-liter machine and commercial product offerings. This position is responsible for leading a team of engineers to direct work through the test cell, use data analysis tools to process and summarize data, create engine and aftertreatment calibrations based on both test data and modeling tools and certify the final engine calibration. This position collaborates with highly engaged and technically capable team members, as well as managing multiple projects and assignments simultaneously that are complex in nature which support and enhance Caterpillar product performance, durability, reliability, quality, and serviceability.
What You Will Do:
- Lead a team of test engineers and lab support staff to plan & execute engine development and certification plans
- Optimize engine and aftertreatment calibration within requirements, hardware limits, and emissions regulations; populate corresponding maps to build calibration into software.
- Create and influence new rating development tools and procedures for next generation diesel engine calibration. Author new standard work and training documents for use by other team members.
- Contribute to multiple New Product Introduction (NPI) rating development projects, New Technology Integration (NTI) projects, and emissions certification projects
- Translate technical requirements into detailed plan test plans, instrumentation requirements, and mitigation plans for test cell work; communicate results
- Support Built-In-Quality (BIQ) efforts to reduce inefficiency in design and test lab processes
What You Will Have:
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.
Education: Degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum or equivalent experience working in an Engineering function.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
- Experience with engine combustion & emissions performance, engine calibration, & lab testing.
- Engine simulation experience, preferably performance based in Dynasty, GT Power, or Simulation / Application.
- Passion for engine performance calculations, detailed data analysis, and tool development.
- Willingness to work on a broad range of engine applications.
- Ability to mentor team members by technical guidance.
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI
Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
November 13, 2026 - November 20, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
See All 20 Validation Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Validation Engineer JobsValidation Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Validation Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in validation engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related technical field required
- Hands-on experience writing validation protocols, test scripts, and summary reports
- Working knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Part 820, or cGMP regulations for Illinois manufacturing environments
- Proficiency with GAMP 5 guidelines and risk-based validation methodology
- Experience executing IQ, OQ, and PQ qualification activities for equipment or computer systems
- Familiarity with Illinois-based quality management systems and document control platforms such as Veeva or MasterControl
Validation Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a validation engineer in Illinois?
Most validation engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a closely related life science field. Illinois does not issue a state-specific license for validation engineers, so the credential that carries the most weight is industry certification such as the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional. Employers in Illinois's pharmaceutical and medical device corridors, particularly in the Lake County and Chicago suburbs, typically expect candidates to understand FDA regulatory frameworks from the outset.
Which companies hire validation engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring validation engineers in Illinois right now include Caterpillar, Fresenius Kabi USA, and Venti Technologies, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of pharmaceutical, medical device, and food manufacturing facilities means that validation engineers often find multiple active openings within a single employer's site network across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most validation engineer jobs?
Mossville, Chicago, and Rockford account for the largest share of validation engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago anchors demand through its medical device and biotech employer base, while the North Shore and Lake County suburbs draw validation talent to major pharmaceutical headquarters like Abbott and Baxter, and secondary markets reflect distribution and food manufacturing operations that require ongoing process and equipment qualification.
Are there remote validation engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Validation engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline requiring physical presence to execute equipment qualifications, witness testing, and audit manufacturing lines. About 0% of validation engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those that are tend to involve CSV or computer system validation work, where protocol authoring, review cycles, and documentation tasks can be completed off-site.
How can I get hired as a validation engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a quality assurance technician or manufacturing associate role at one of Illinois's large pharmaceutical or medical device employers, then transitioning internally into validation. Companies like Abbott, Baxter, and Hospira historically run structured rotational programs for recent engineering graduates at their North Shore and Lake County sites. Pursuing an ASQ Certified Quality Technician credential while in an adjacent role, and building a portfolio of completed protocols or deviation investigations, gives candidates a concrete edge when applying to junior validation engineer postings.
Where can I find and apply to validation engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to validation engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 20 Validation Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Validation Engineer Jobs