Senior Supplier Quality Engineer / Senior Supplier Quality Engineeress

Thoratec Switzerland GmbH - June 20, 2025

Join Our Team at Thoratec Switzerland GmbH

Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, a proud member of Abbott Laboratories' medical device division, is a global leader in implantable and extracorporeal blood pumps utilizing magnetic levitation technology. With over 115,000 employees around the world, we are committed to developing life-saving systems for advanced heart failure patients in need of short- or long-term circulatory support. Our operations are based in Zurich, where around 130 talented individuals contribute to the development, quality, and manufacturing of our CentriMag system and HeartMate 3 devices.

Position Overview: Sr Supplier Quality Engineer

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Sr Supplier Quality Engineer to enhance our team. This role involves responsibility for ensuring the quality and performance standards of our suppliers.

Main Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Assurance:

  • Develop and maintain supplier quality assurance processes and procedures.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality issues, implementing corrective actions, and providing technical support on quality matters.
  • Review and approve supplier quality documentation.
  • Oversee Supplier Change Requests in coordination with a cross-functional team.

Supplier Qualification:

  • Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on their ability to meet quality and performance standards.
  • Establish Supplier Quality Agreements.
  • Conduct initial assessments and supplier audits to ensure suppliers comply with medical device requirements.

Supplier Audits and Assessments:

  • Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with established quality standards.

Supplier Maintenance:

  • Manage the approved supplier list and conduct regular reviews of existing suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with quality standards.

Supplier Performance Monitoring:

  • Continuously evaluate 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 to management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Work with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and manufacturing, to address quality-related issues and supplier changes.

Root Cause Analysis:

  • Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving for supplier-related quality issues.
  • Document and track non-conformance reports, ensuring effective corrective actions are taken.
  • Drive the CAPA process to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and verify effectiveness.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field.
  • Experience in the medical device industry or a similar sector.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with expertise in root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Proficient in quality tools and software.
  • Fluency in both written and spoken German and English.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier quality engineering or a related role.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of quality assurance principles and methodologies.
  • Experience with supplier audits and assessments.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Certification as an ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 Auditor (or comparable qualification).
  • Certification in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma) is a plus.

Why Work at Abbott?

At Abbott, you have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that helps others live healthier lives while growing your career. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Career development within a global organization.
  • A position in a Fortune 500 company and a leader in medical device manufacturing.
  • A challenging role within an independent industry.
  • Be part of a dynamic, skilled, and motivated team.
  • A multicultural environment that promotes talent development.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • An enjoyable workplace located in the heart of Zurich.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who wishes to join our passionate team and take on a broad range of responsibilities. If you possess the qualifications outlined above, we invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We look forward to meeting you in the heart of Zurich!

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

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