Position: Computer Systems Validation (CSV) Engineer
Position Type: Full-time, permanent
Department: Information Technology (IT)
Location: Boulder, onsite
Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline and 5+ years CSV experience in a GxP-regulated environment. Will consider those without a Bachelors with commensurate experience (AS+7 years or no degree+9 years).
Position Summary
Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for the full-time Computer Systems Validation (CSV) Engineer position, an on-site role in Boulder, Colorado. This position reports to the Director of IT, Boulder, and is responsible for leading the end-to-end validation of computerized systems within the environment. This position will perform day-to-day tasks related to the design, creation, and execution of validation protocols, test scripts, change management, and end-user training activities.
Additionally, this position is expected to assist in creating new processes, ISO 13485:2016, GxP, and 21 CFR Part 11-related documentation to support and maintain the organization's computer systems validation efforts. This may include, but not be limited to, plans, URS documentation, assessments, and summary reports.
The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and compliance posture. This position will offer unique challenges, learning, and growth in a cutting-edge genomics and life sciences environment.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Validation Lifecycle & Delivery
- Lead the planning, authoring, execution, and review of computer systems validation documentation, including URS, FRS, DS, VMP, IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols.
- Manage the full lifecycle of assigned systems, including laboratory, manufacturing, and cloud-based applications.
- Compile validation summary reports and secure required approvals for systems entering operational use.
- Apply risk-based validation methodology to scope effort proportionate to system risk and complexity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with IT, QA, Product Development, Operations, and R&D stakeholders to gather requirements, support implementation, and ensure validation readiness.
- Translate operational, laboratory, and manufacturing needs into validation strategy and deliverables.
- Partner with IT Directors (and future CSV Manager and Principal CSV Engineer) to align local execution with the validation framework and programme priorities.
Technical Leadership & Mentoring
- Mentor junior CSV team members and provide technical guidance on CSV best practices.
- Contribute to internal CSV capability uplift through knowledge sharing and review feedback.
- Support recruitment and onboarding activities for new CSV team members as requested.
Technical Operations & Validation
Risk-Based Validation
- Perform risk assessments using approved methodology and apply a risk-based approach to all CSV activities.
- Document risk decisions and validation rationale to provide defensible audit evidence.
- Apply risk-based testing strategies across IQ, OQ, and PQ activities.
Change Control & Periodic Review
- Manage and document change controls for validated systems, ensuring all changes are assessed, approved, and implemented in line with regulatory and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
- Conduct periodic reviews of validated systems to confirm continued compliance and fitness for purpose.
- Update validation documentation following approved changes to assigned systems.
Incident Response & Deviation Management
- Lead CSV response activities during system incidents or unplanned changes affecting validated environments.
- Identify, document, and manage deviations, CAPAs, and change controls related to validated systems.
- Coordinate remediation actions with IT, QA, and business stakeholders, and communicate status throughout.
Cloud-Based System Validation
- Validate and monitor cloud-based GxP applications in line with regulatory expectations.
- Review cloud system configurations and access controls regularly to maintain a validated state.
- Partner with IT on cloud infrastructure changes that may impact validated environments.
SOPs & Validation Documentation
- Author and review CSV SOPs, work instructions, and standard templates.
- Maintain validation documentation and traceability across requirements, tests, and evidence.
- Ensure documentation meets QMS and regulatory expectations for audit readiness.
Compliance, Risk & Quality Assurance
Regulatory Compliance & Data Integrity
- Ensure compliance with ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity principles, and applicable SOPs.
- Monitor validated systems for data integrity adherence, escalate, and remediate issues with QA.
- Maintain alignment with ISO 13485 for in-scope systems and support QMS-driven activities.
Audit & Inspection Support
- Serve as CSV subject matter expert during internal audits and external regulatory inspections for assigned systems.
- Prepare inspection-ready validation evidence and respond to findings through CAPA.
- Provide a defensible regulatory rationale for validation decisions and approach.
Regulatory Intelligence Application
- Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and industry guidance and assess their impact on validated systems.
- Apply emerging best practice and guidance to ongoing validation activities.
Skills and Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience in CSV within a regulated environment (biotech, pharma, or medical devices);
- Proven experience authoring and executing IQ/OQ/PQ protocols for a range of system types;
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity principles;
- Demonstrated ability to manage the full CSV lifecycle for multiple systems simultaneously;
- Experience supporting internal and external regulatory audits and inspections as a CSV subject matter expert;
- Experience authoring and reviewing CSV SOPs, work instructions, and validation templates;
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team;
- Proven ability to mentor and guide junior engineers, ensuring best practices and effective collaboration.
Preferred Additional Experience:
- Experience in multi-national or corporate environments is essential;
- Experience with CSV for laboratory equipment qualification and computerized laboratory systems;
- Familiarity with IT infrastructure in a GxP context, including IQ/OQ of servers, networks, and virtualized environments;
- Experience with CSV for cloud-based SaaS applications in regulated environments;
- Familiarity with industry standards and regulations such as ISO, POPIA, GDPR, or HIPAA as they apply to data integrity and systems compliance;
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ CSV experience in a GxP-regulated environment, or
- 7+ years of relevant CSV experience in a GxP-regulated biotech or pharmaceutical environment, without a formal degree requirement, provided the candidate can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and competency.
Environmental Conditions: Successful candidate(s) may need to manage multiple validation projects simultaneously and may be required to reprioritize based on audit schedules, system implementation timelines, or regulatory requirements. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring excellent organizational and time management skills.
Mental Demands: Successful candidate(s) will work in a compliance-critical environment where accuracy, rigor, and sound regulatory judgment are essential. The role requires maintaining high standards of documentation quality under time pressure and making well-reasoned decisions on complex validation matters.
Compensation
The budgeted range for this position starts at $120,000 - $130,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.
Application Requirements
To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:
- Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
- Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.
If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.
*** WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.
All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.
This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.