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How to Start Your Career in CQV in the USA

Mark Chaumeton our consultant managing the role
Posted by Mark Chaumeton
Life Sciences
Published on 28 July 2025

The life sciences industry in the US is experiencing rapid growth, driven by continued innovations and drug approvals. The US pharmaceutical CDMO market aloneis valued at $43.62 billion for 2025 and is expected to grow steadily. In such a situation, the role of a CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation) engineer becomes undeniable. 

If you fancy a career in CQV engineering in the US but don't know how to start your journey, keep reading! 

Get the relevant education

The first thing you should do to land reliable a CQV engineer job in the US is to get the necessary education, such as: 

  • Getting a Degree - Most CQV positions require you to obtain a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline, such as mechanical, biomedical, design, chemical, or any other life sciences field. The duration can vary from three to four years, while an integrated master's degree can take longer.

  • Gaining experience - While it's optional, gaining practical experience in CQV can help individuals get some top-end CQV engineer jobs. Therefore, candidates should explore internship opportunities in pharmaceuticals as well as contact manufacturing companies. This is a great way to gain practical and hands on knowledge of the industry and prepare for a full-time role future. This form of experience also shows employers that the candidate has a strong work ethic and willingness to get to know the industry before working.

What skills might this role require?

Like in any job, a CQV role requires all of the basic and standard skills to make the workplace flow seamlessly. This said, there are a few skills that are more technical and are necessary to fit this specific role. Outlined below are the must have skills for a CQV position:

  • Communication Skills: A CQV engineer is required to communicate with stakeholders and manage complex projects. To ensure they deliver instructions clearly, they should have good communication skills. This ensures that the end product's quality is perfect and that there are no safety or regulatory issues. 
  • Technical Skills: CQVs must acquire certain technical skills, including familiarity with equipment such as API vessels, reactors, and heat exchangers. Also, collect, analyse, and interpret industrial projects to inform the entire team about the overall progress and any major challenges. 
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Problems can happen in any field, and a CQV career is no exception. Therefore, CQV experts should acquire good problem-solving skills to land and excel in CQV engineering jobs. For instance, if the equipment malfunctions, they shouldn't panic. Instead, understand the root cause and take immediate steps to resolve the issue at hand. This is also where industry knowledge comes as an advantage, as prior experience with technical problems can make solving them much easier!

Start Your Job Search 

Before CQV engineers start their job search, they must create an effective resume. It can provide employers with insights into their educational background, skills, and any experience in validation and quality control. Some tools that are helpful in resume making are Canva, MyperfectCV or even Word.  Once you have perfected your CV: 

  • Use Online Platforms - Online platforms like LinkedIn, are good platforms to find jobs. CQV engineers should create their accounts and search for keywords such as "CQV engineers" or "Commissioning Engineer." Turn on notifications to get alerts whenever there's a relevant match. 
  • Connect with Staffing Agencies - Staffing agencies like QCS Staffing are also helpful in finding good CQV engineer jobs in the US. CQV specialists just drop in their CVs, and we’ll reach out to them with potential opportunities. 
  • Network with Industry Experts - Attending life sciences conferences, events, and trade shows is also encouraged. Join job groups on platforms like Facebook and connect with and follow industry experts. This ensures that whenever there's an opportunity in the US in commission, qualification, and validation fields, they don't miss out on it.

Start Your QCV Career with QCS Staffing

Building your career in the life sciences sector as a CQV expert can be challenging, especially in the US. However, QCS Staffing makes the CQV engineer jobs hunt a breeze for you. Simply upload your resume and select your preferred field. Our experts will analyse your resume, ensuring it reaches the right recruiters' network. Alternatively, click here to view all of our live vacancies. 


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