Senior Autoclave Validation Technician

Role summary

Senior Autoclave Validation Technician is a role at Progressive Recovery, Inc. in Dupo, Illinois, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-18. Experience level: 2-5.

Job title

Senior Autoclave Validation Technician

Company

Progressive Recovery, Inc.

Location

Dupo, Illinois, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Category

Trades & Construction

Experience level

2-5

Date posted

2026-08-18

Job description

Description

REPORTS TO: FIELD SERVICE MANAGER

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Autoclave Validation & Preventive Maintenance Technician to support the installation, qualification, validation, preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory and production autoclaves. This position will primarily focus on Astell autoclaves but will also support sterilization equipment from other leading manufacturers in laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and industrial environments.

The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, experience performing thermal validation studies, and a solid understanding of sterilization processes and regulatory compliance requirements. This role requires frequent travel to customer sites and direct interaction with laboratory managers, validation teams, maintenance personnel, and quality professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Validation Services

Perform autoclave qualification and validation activities, including:

Installation Qualification (IQ)

Operational Qualification (OQ)

Performance Qualification (PQ)

Execute thermal mapping studies using data loggers, thermocouples, and validation software

Conduct heat distribution, heat penetration, and sterilization cycle verification studies

Analyze validation data and prepare comprehensive validation reports

Verify cycle performance and sterilization efficacy in accordance with customer protocols and regulatory requirements

Support customer audits and compliance activities related to sterilization equipment

Preventive Maintenance & Service

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on Astell autoclaves and other sterilization equipment

Inspect, clean, calibrate, and replace wear components including:

Door seals and gaskets

Solenoid valves

Pressure transducers

Ability to work independently and manage multiple service assignments

Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience servicing Astell autoclaves

Experience with autoclaves from manufacturers such as:

Astell Scientific

Tuttnauer

Priorclave

Consolidated Sterilizer Systems

Getinge

STERIS

Knowledge of GMP, GLP, FDA, USP, ISO, and pharmaceutical validation requirements.

Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, research laboratory, or regulated manufacturing environments

Technical degree or certification in electronics, instrumentation, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or a related field

Familiarity with PLC-based control systems and industrial instrumentation

Experience with steam systems and utility equipment

Travel Requirements

Travel up to 50–75%, depending on customer demand and geographic territory

Ability to travel overnight for multi-day customer projects.

Occasional weekend work to support customer validation schedules and facility shutdowns

Potential for limited international travel

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate enjoys working independently in customer-facing environments and has a passion for technical problem-solving. They possess a strong understanding of sterilization

Temperature probes

Steam traps

Vacuum pumps

Safety devices

Water treatment components

Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system failures

Diagnose and repair issues involving:

Steam generation systems

Heating elements

PLC controls

HMI interfaces

Vacuum systems

Temperature and pressure control systems

Perform emergency service calls and corrective maintenance as required

Customer Support

Provide operator and maintenance training to customers

Serve as the primary technical contact during service visits

Document all service activities through detailed field service reports

Communicate equipment performance findings and recommend corrective actions

Maintain strong customer relationships through professional service delivery

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3–5 years of experience servicing, maintaining, validating, or calibrating autoclaves, sterilizers, laboratory equipment, or related thermal process systems

Experience performing thermal validation studies and using temperature mapping equipment

Strong understanding of sterilization principles and autoclave operation

Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting experience

Ability to read and interpret:

Electrical schematics

Wiring diagrams

P&IDs

Technical service manuals

Experience using diagnostic and calibration equipment

Strong computer skills, including report generation and data analysis

Excellent communication and customer service skills equipment and validation practices, are meticulous in documentation, and take pride in helping customers maintain compliance while maximizing equipment reliability and performance.

What We Offer

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus program

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Company-paid travel expenses

Laptop, phone, tools, and calibration equipment

Manufacturer and validation training programs

Career advancement opportunities within a growing technical service organization

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.