Join Our Team at Thoratec Switzerland GmbH
Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, part of the medical device division of Abbott Laboratories—a Fortune 500 company with over 115,000 employees worldwide—is a global leader in implantable and extracorporeal blood pumps utilizing advanced magnetic levitation technology. Our life-saving systems, developed and manufactured in Zurich, support advanced heart failure patients requiring both short- and long-term circulatory assistance.
Located in the heart of Zurich, our team comprises around 130 dedicated professionals in development, quality, and production of the CentriMag system and HeartMate 3.
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Sr Supplier Quality Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role involves a variety of responsibilities focused on maintaining the highest standards of supplier quality assurance.
Main Responsibilities
Supplier Quality Assurance
- Develop and maintain supplier quality assurance processes and procedures.
- Collaborate with suppliers to rectify quality issues, implement corrective actions, and provide technical support related to quality matters.
- Review and approve supplier quality documentation.
- Coordinate Supplier Change Requests with cross-functional teams.
Supplier Qualification
- Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on their capability to meet quality and performance standards.
- Ensure the establishment of Supplier Quality Agreements.
- Conduct initial assessments and supplier audits to confirm compliance with medical device requirements.
Supplier Audits and Assessments
- Conduct supplier audits to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Supplier Maintenance
- Manage and maintain the approved supplier list.
- Conduct regular reviews and re-qualifications of existing suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance.
Supplier Performance Monitoring
- Continuously monitor supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement.
- Lead Continuous Improvement Initiatives in collaboration with suppliers.
- Prepare and present quality reports and metrics to management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and manufacturing, to address quality-related issues and supplier change requests.
Root Cause Analysis
- Lead root cause analysis for supplier-related quality issues and non-conformances.
- Document and track Non-Conformance Material Reports (NCMRs) to ensure timely corrective actions.
- Drive the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and verifying their effectiveness.
- Develop preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field.
- Experience in the medical device industry or a similar environment.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a background in root cause analysis methodologies.
- Proficient in using quality tools and software.
- Fluent in both written and spoken German and English.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier quality engineering or a similar role.
- Strong knowledge of quality assurance principles and methodologies.
- Experience with supplier audits and assessments.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Certification as ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 Auditor (or comparable qualification).
- Certification in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma) is a plus.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can engage in meaningful work that contributes to healthier, fuller lives. You will have the opportunity to:
- Develop your career in an international setting.
- Be part of a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in medical device manufacturing.
- Work in a challenging position within a resilient industry.
- Join a dynamic, highly skilled, and motivated team.
- Experience a multicultural environment that nurtures talent development.
- Receive competitive compensation and benefits.
- Work in an ideal location in the heart of Zurich.
If you are a highly motivated individual ready to take on broad responsibilities in a passionate team, we encourage you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.