Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Abbott Laboratories•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Diagnostic testing is a compass, providing information that helps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of health conditions. Abbott’s life-changing tests and diagnostic tools give you accurate, timely information to better manage your health. We’re empowering smarter medical and economic decision making to help transform the way people manage their health at all stages of life. Every day, more than 10 million tests are run on Abbott’s diagnostics instruments, providing lab results for millions of people. The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer role is responsible for leading supplier quality initiatives including strategic supplier audits, supplier performance improvement, qualification of new suppliers, and ensuring compliance to global standards. This role requires strong critical thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to build trustworthy, effective relationships with suppliers and cross-functional partners. The ideal candidate brings maturity, professionalism, and the ability to independently manage complex supplier quality activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Science, or related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in supplier quality, quality assurance, or related roles in a regulated industry (medical device, diagnostics, pharma, aerospace, etc.).
Strong understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 13485, QSR, and general supplier quality system standards.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex supplier issues and build strong supplier relationships.
Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to work with integrity, maintain professionalism, and represent Abbott effectively during supplier interactions.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and execute a robust, risk‑based supplier audit schedule aligned with internal and regulatory requirements.
Lead complex supplier audits with professionalism and influence, ensuring supplier alignment and clear understanding of expectations.
Create audit plans, manage supplier communication, and ensure timely completion of all audits‑related activities.
Drive Supplier CAPA/SCAR activities to effective closure with strong verification of objective evidence.
Apply expert knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 13485, QSR, and other ISO/FDA requirements; ISO Lead Auditor preferred.
Lead supplier qualification and requalification, including risk-based assessments and performance monitoring.
Evaluate supplier risks and performance, escalate issues, and drive systemic improvements across the supply base.
Issue and manage SCARs tied to audit findings or internal product quality issues.
Analyze and present supplier performance metrics to CAPA boards and site leadership.
Use strong critical thinking to identify trends, verify root causes, and influence suppliers toward effective corrective action.
Communicate audit results and quality risks clearly to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Influence strong supplier engagement and accountability through data-driven insights and relationship-building.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supplier quality, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Benefits

A fast-paced work environment where your safety is our priority (Manufacturing roles only)
Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled (Manufacturing roles only)
Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
Financial security through competitive compensation
Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs.
Paid time off.
401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities
Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully: http://www.abbottbenefits.com/pages/candidate.aspx
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that provides the growth and strength to build your future. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.