6243 - Downstream Principal Engineer / Lead Validation Engineer
Verista, Inc.
| Company | Verista, Inc. |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Holly Springs |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Lead |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 6 Mar 2026 |
| Last verified | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
Description
Verista’s 500 experts team up with the world’s most recognizable brands in the life science industry to solve their business needs. The nature of our business is to empower growth and innovation within the scientific community and to help researchers, organizations, and companies solve some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Verista provides innovative solutions and services that empower informed decision-making and are the result of our significant investment in our people and our capabilities.
Our ability to grow is driven by world-class people who thrive in a team environment and share our mission to enable life sciences clients to improve lives. Our talented and dedicated professionals are committed to making an impact every day.
Company Culture Guidelines & Values:
We empower and support our colleagues
We commit to client success at every turn
We have the courage to do the right thing
We encourage an inclusive environment where our colleagues feel respected, engaged, and challenged.
We constantly acquire new skills and learn from our experiences to enhance our collective expertise
We are seeking a Downstream Principal Engineer is responsible for overseeing the commissioning and qualification of downstream systems. This role ensures that all systems are designed, tested, and documented in alignment with project requirements and safety standards.
Downstream Principal Engineer Responsibilities:
Downstream System Leadership
Serve as the commissioning and qualification lead for Downstream systems (responsibilities described below).
Specific experience with chromatography systems, TFF filtration systems, viral filtration systems, and UFDF filtration systems.
C&Q Lead Responsibilities
Commissioning and Qualification Documentation
Gain a thorough understanding of system design by reviewing engineering documentation, P&IDs, and design specifications.
Develop User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Quality Risk Assessment for Equipment and Automated Systems (QRAES).
Engage with design engineers and SMEs to clarify system intent and operational requirements.
Ensure alignment with quality, automation, and engineering teams on critical parameters and documentation.
Create Commissioning Test Plans that translate design intent into testable steps.
Coordinate with the Automation Team to incorporate all automation functional testing.
Collaborate with SMEs to ensure system requirements are accurately reflected in test plans.
Develop Installation, Operational, and Qualification (IOQ) protocols.
Prepare and submit summary reports documenting commissioning and qualification activities.
System Ownership and Execution
Take custody of the system post-construction and maintain ownership through C&Q completion.
Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for system safety.
Conduct pre-startup safety checks and risk assessments.
Prepare daily pre-task plans and verify team readiness for safe execution.
Attend daily commissioning meetings to coordinate activities.
Execute commissioning and IOQ protocols.
Resolve issues arising during execution.
Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) as required.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related technical discipline
10+ years of role specific experience
Experience supporting CQV activities in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments
Hands-on experience with downstream bioprocess equipment and purification systems
Strong understanding of validation lifecycle documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ, protocols, reports)
Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams
Strong documentation, organizational, and communication skills
Experience with digital validation systems such as Kneat
Experience supporting FAT/SAT, commissioning, and equipment