Job Information
Abbott Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer in Lake Forest, Illinois
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution. · Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
The Opportunity
Abbott is seeking a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to lead and support supplier quality activities across the product and service lifecycle. This role is responsible for ensuring that suppliers consistently meet Abbott’s quality, regulatory, and business requirements. The Senior SQE will act as a key technical and quality liaison between Abbott and its suppliers, driving continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and compliance with global regulations. This role also supports general QMS processes where applicable, including quality investigations
What You'll Work On
Lead supplier qualification, selection, and onboarding activities, including supplier risk assessments and quality agreements
Develop and maintain supplier quality plans aligned with Abbott and regulatory requirements
Serve as the primary quality contact for assigned suppliers
Plan, conduct, and lead supplier audits (onsite and remote) to applicable standards (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA QSR, GMP)
Evaluate audit findings, ensure timely and effective corrective actions, and verify closure
Support internal, regulatory, and notified body inspections related to supplier quality
Lead investigations of supplier nonconformances, deviations, and escapes
Ensure robust root cause analysis and effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
Monitor supplier performance metrics and trends to proactively address risks
Review and approve supplier‑initiated changes impacting product, process, or materials
Assess regulatory and quality impact of changes and ensure proper implementation
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure controlled and compliant changes
Drive supplier quality improvement initiatives to enhance capability, reliability, and cost efficiency
Mentor junior SQEs and contribute to the development of supplier quality best practices
Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring supplier readiness and process validation
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field
6+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality in a regulated industry
Strong knowledge of FDA QSR, ISO 13485, GMP, and global regulatory requirements
Proven experience conducting supplier audits and managing CAPAs
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, assess risk, and make sound quality decisions
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in toxicology testing, medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, or combination products
ASQ certification (CQE, CQA) or equivalent preferred
Experience with PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, and process validation
Strong project management and cross‑functional leadership skills
Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 25%)
Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: https://abbottbenefits.com/
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity. Connect with us at abbott.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AbbottCareers
The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Abbot welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.
We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
To request accommodation, please call 224-667-4913 or email corpjat@abbott.com