Validation Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a Validation Engineer to join our team and ensure that our systems and processes meet the highest quality standards across the business. You will support site projects, including new manufacturing facilities or changes to existing ones, to guarantee compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and implement Validation Master Plans (VMP) for each facility (e.g., Blending and Canning, Dryer).
• Create, execute and maintain validation documentation such as Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ) and Performance Qualification (PQ) for equipment, processes, cleaning and systems.
• Evaluate test data to confirm systems or processes meet validation criteria.
• Provide progress reports against the VMP and prepare validation reports for all executed protocols.
• Maintain Synlait validation documentation to ensure a validated state of GMP‑related manufacturing facilities, systems and utilities.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve validation procedures to meet contractual, customer and regulatory GMP standards.
• Manage validation documents throughout the validation lifecycle.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering and projects teams to complete validation activities on time and to quality standards.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of validation from practical experience.
• A Chemical and/or Process Engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in dairy, preferably infant formula or similarly regulated industries (beneficial).
• Experience with Food Safety and HACCP systems (beneficial).
• Knowledge of the NZ Infant Formula Notice (preferred).
• Experience in change management within regulated manufacturing environments (preferred).
• Well‑developed problem‑solving capability with strong organisational and planning skills.

Required skills

• Validation documentation (IQ, OQ, PQ)
• GMP compliance
• Food Safety
• HACCP
• NZ Infant Formula Notice knowledge