Design Quality Assurance Manager / Design Quality Assurance Manageress

Design Quality Assurance Manager – Drive Impact in Life-Saving Innovation

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

At Abbott’s Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, we develop technology that saves lives. As part of Abbott’s global medical device division, which consists of over 115,000 employees worldwide, we lead the way in implantable and extracorporeal blood pump systems utilizing advanced magnetic levitation technology.

From our Zurich site, a diverse team of approximately 130 colleagues collaborates across development, quality, and production to deliver the CentriMag System and HeartMate 3, supporting patients with advanced heart failure around the globe.

Why This Role Matters

Are you passionate about advancing innovative healthcare solutions that create a significant impact on patients' lives? As a Design Quality Assurance Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring quality, compliance, and product excellence throughout the development lifecycle. Working at the intersection of innovation and quality, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Clinical, and Project Management, to support the delivery of safe, effective, and compliant products.

In this influential position, you will help shape and strengthen design control processes, risk management practices, and product development quality systems while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As a trusted quality partner, you will provide strategic guidance across product development activities, assisting teams in navigating regulatory requirements and quality expectations while enabling innovation and driving positive outcomes for both the business and the patients we serve.

What You'll Do

• Lead Design Quality Assurance activities throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Serve as the Quality representative on cross-functional product development teams, ensuring the implementation and compliance with Design Control requirements.
• Drive quality planning activities for new product development projects and provide quality oversight for design changes and product enhancements.
• Lead, coach, and develop Design Quality Engineers and other quality professionals.
• Establish team objectives, performance expectations, and development plans while managing resource planning and project prioritization.
• Promote a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring

• Master’s degree in science, engineering, or another technical field is required.
• At least five years of related experience in the medical device industry.
• A minimum of two years of experience in people management.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 13485, international medical device regulatory requirements (21 CFR part 820, EU MDD/MDR), MDSAP, and other regional requirements as applicable.
• Proven experience working in a large, global, regulated organization in a leadership position.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience with Design for Six Sigma or Quality by Design methods will be considered a strong plus.

What We Offer

• A purpose-driven role contributing to life-saving technologies.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued.
• Opportunities for growth and specialization, including becoming a costing Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Flexibility and autonomy in how you manage your work.
• A modern workplace in the heart of Zurich.

Join Us

We are seeking curious, motivated individuals who enjoy solving problems, collaborating with others, and making an impact.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.