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Cleaning Validation & Commissioning Specialist

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Engineering

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about training operators on new equipment or a new process.

What they are checking: Whether they can train operators clearly on new equipment or processes, so validated procedures are followed correctly on the floor.

Tell me about a time you found a gap in an existing validation package.

What they are checking: Whether they notice gaps in existing validation and raise them, since inherited packages can hide real compliance problems.

What would you do

A swab result fails during execution. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they handle a failed swab through proper deviation and investigation steps, rather than simply retesting until it passes.

A new product is coming to a qualified line. How do you decide whether existing validation covers it?

What they are checking: Whether they can assess if a new product falls within existing validation or needs new work, which prevents cross-contamination risk.

How do you work with engineers and project owners to fit validation into the project schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they work with engineers to fit validation into project schedules early, so it does not become a last-minute bottleneck.

About the work

How do you set acceptance limits for a cleaning validation study?

What they are checking: Whether they can set residue limits using health-based exposure limits and MACO calculations, which make cleaning validation scientifically defensible.

Walk me through writing and executing an IQ, OQ and PQ protocol for new equipment.

What they are checking: Whether they have written and executed equipment qualification protocols themselves, which is a core part of this commissioning role.

How do you choose worst-case products and locations for cleaning validation?

What they are checking: Whether they choose worst-case products and locations with sound risk reasoning, so validation covers the hardest conditions.

How do you run a periodic review under the Validation Master Plan?

What they are checking: Whether they run periodic reviews that genuinely check validated status, so cleaning stays effective as conditions change over time.

What makes a risk assessment useful rather than a paperwork exercise?

What they are checking: Whether they make risk assessments that genuinely drive decisions, rather than filling in forms to satisfy an audit requirement.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

An engineering professional that works with project owners, subject designers/engineers and other project team members to plan, and complete tasks associated with commissioning, qualification and validation of new and modified equipment, facilities, utilities, product, processes etc.in line with project, operations and quality objectives. Level of responsibility and performance is commensurate with grade level. The main objective is to establish evaluation, testing and documentation for risk management, commissioning and validation applying product and regulatory requirements and risk management to result in robust, high quality products. This includes optimizing systems that support the work in and around this area of responsibility. Responsibilities • Develop and execute commissioning, qualification and validation test protocols. • Able to support broader aspects of projects at times including: project leadership, developing operational procedures, support training of staff/operators on new equipment or processes, reviewing new or modified product documentation to ensure compatibility with qualified equipment/process and implementing changes as necessary • Leads Execution of Risk Management. including, periodic review and update per the Validation Master Plan, interface with best practices, establishing team & work practices including overall program, ccRA. • Understands risk management principles. Can find and review documentation. Understands controls, impact of change, trace controls, and can estimate ratings using appropriate scale. Timely. Demonstrated success in FMEA authorization/facilitation. • May supervise contract validation resources in the timely completion of activities in his/her area of responsibility. • Responsible for the coordination and the execution of the sampling related to cleaning validation following the established procedures and applicable protocols. Document the results obtained and completion of cleaning validation summary reports accurately as required. • Generate and process change requests per the applicable procedures. • Lead the implementation of special projects related to cleaning validation area. • Prepare area reports and presentations as applicable. • Provide assistance to operations in accordance with environmental management, occupational health and safety (EH&S) systems and promote continuous improvement. Comply with all EHS procedures and policies including incident reporting, use of PPE, waste management and disposal, and any other program applicable according to the position duties.” • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, science, or closely related discipline is desired, or equivalent technical experience plus demonstrated competence, with a desired 3+ years of significant engineering and/or operational experience. • Experience in the development of commissioning, qualification, validation and risk management deliverables including specifications and testing protocols that can stand up to regulatory scrutiny. • 6+ years of overall experience in Manufacturing, Quality or Engineering including 4 major validation subjects (e.g. Computer, Equipment, Cleaning, Process, etc.) preferred • A technical background in health care, nutritional products, laboratory diagnostics, medical devices, pharmaceutical, or similar industries (preferred). • Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to work within a team environment. • Knowledge of quality / compliance management as well as regulations and standards affecting API, Bulk Drug or Finished goods manufacturing preferred • Ability to supervise junior or contract team members (prior supervisory experience preferred) • Ability to manage complex projects and multiple projects (5+) simultaneously Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​ • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​ • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​ • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​ Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. ​ AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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