What this job is
Quality and validation engineers own the systems that keep products correct and compliant — audits, CAPA, validation, and statistical analysis. It is a degreed role with a clear path into quality management.
Will AI replace it?
AI augments design and optimization, but cross-functional judgment keeps the role relevant. We rate it 7/10 for AI-resilience.
Where it's hiring now
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Hadrian, Cherokee, AL ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Manufacturing / Quality Engineer — Lockheed Martin, Troy, AL ($85,000–$120,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Lockheed Martin, Troy, AL ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Conagra, Fayetteville, AR ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — ERMCO, Maricopa County, AZ ($84,000–$121,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Collins Aerospace, Largo, FL ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — HMGMA, Bryan County, GA ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Pratt & Whitney, Columbus, GA ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Tyson Caseyville, Caseyville, IL ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — AbbVie, North Chicago, IL ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — CSL, Kankakee, IL ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Lilly Lebanon, Lebanon, IN ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Lilly Lebanon API, Lebanon, IN ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — GE Appliances, Louisville, KY ($76,000–$109,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Chobani / La Colombe, Norton Shores, MI ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — J&J Wilson, Wilson, NC ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Manufacturing / Quality Engineer — Siemens Mobility, Lexington, NC ($75,000–$105,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Siemens Mobility, Lexington, NC ($84,000–$121,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Toyota Battery NC, Liberty, NC ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Corning, Hickory, NC ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Manufacturing / Quality Engineer — BD, Columbus, NE ($80,000–$110,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — BD, Columbus, NE ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Eaton, Bellevue, NE ($84,000–$121,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Micron NY, Clay (Syracuse), NY ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Oxbo, Bergen, NY ($76,000–$109,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Schreiber Foods, Shippensburg, PA ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Boeing SC, North Charleston, SC ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — BMW Woodruff, Woodruff, SC ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Samsung Taylor, Taylor, TX ($92,000–$132,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — BAE Systems, Austin, TX ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Apple, Houston, TX ($86,000–$124,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — L3Harris, Orange County, VA ($88,000–$127,000/yr)
- Quality / Validation Engineer — Generac, Sussex, WI ($84,000–$121,000/yr)
Common questions
How much does a quality / validation engineer make?
At the plants tracked here, pay runs about $76,000–$132,000/yr. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and experience; the figures shown are regional and industry benchmarks.
Do I need a degree to become a quality / validation engineer?
Most postings list: Bachelor's (engineering / science). Relevant certifications and training (ASQ CQE / Six Sigma) often matter as much as formal education.
Will AI or robots replace quality / validation engineer jobs?
We score this role 7/10 for AI-resilience (10 = very unlikely to be automated). AI augments design and optimization, but cross-functional judgment keeps the role relevant.
Where can I find quality / validation engineer jobs right now?
33 of the new and expanding U.S. plants on Forge are hiring for this role. See the list on this page; each links to the company's application page.