Principal Quality Engineer - Contamination Control Strategy

Medline Industries, Inc.; Northfield (MN); On-site; USD 116,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Medline Industries, LP is seeking a Quality Program Leader to drive quality initiatives across the organization, ensuring regulatory compliance and continuous improvement of the global quality system. You will bridge design and manufacturing, enabling cost-effective production of high-quality products.

The role demands strong cross-functional leadership, expertise in QMS, risk management, and experience with audits and CAPA. Travel up to 30% may be required as part of the scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science.
• 7+ years in pharmaceutical manufacturing; medical device quality preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international).
• Experience leading QMS improvements and CAPA.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality initiatives across the organization with cross-functional teams.
• Identify and implement improvements to the Quality Management System for compliance and efficiency.
• Lead root-cause investigations and plan CAPA with timely closure and documentation.
• Evaluate Cost of Quality to identify savings and justify projects.
• Provide process guidance across manufacturing and corporate functions.
• Apply risk management tools (FMEA, risk assessment) to mitigate risks.
• Contribute to Contamination Control Strategy and environmental monitoring improvements.
• Develop best practices for cleanroom operations, gowning, and critical utilities.
• Provide technical training and leadership to personnel at all levels.
• Lead audits, inspections, and remediation efforts as SME.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Risk management

Quality systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Training/mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science

Tools

FMEA

Fault Tree Analysis

CAPA

Statistical methods

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and managing quality projects throughout the quality organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, both internal and external to quality, and serve as a subject matter expert to ensure compliance to applicable regulations and standards; Support strategic initiatives with the goal of continually improving our global quality system as well as emergency support when unexpected challenges arise that meet your area of expertise; Plays a vital role in bridging the gap between conceptual design and practical manufacturing, contributing to the efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality products.

Job Description

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead project initiatives throughout the quality organization by collaborating with cross-functional teams. Present project deliverables to the lead team as well as communicate/train affected groups on procedural or process changes.
• Identify, lead and drive opportunities to improve the Quality Management System through increased efficiency or more robust compliance to applicable regulations.
• Leverages their understanding of the QMS to lead root cause activities as well as planning the corrective or preventative actions for critical quality concerns. Ensure actions are completed in a timely fashion with appropriate resources and supporting evidence is properly documented.
• Evaluate Cost of Quality metrics to identify cost savings opportunities. Propose projects to the lead team and execute on the implementation of approved projects.
• Manage and provide process guidance for manufacturing or corporate functions, ensuring process management is consistently applied across all corporate divisions, manufacturing sites and groups.
• Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with product and/or process development projects. Apply industry-standard risk management tools and techniques (e.g., FMEA, fault tree analysis) to identify and mitigate potential risks. Complete necessary documentation related to risk management activities, including risk assessment, risk mitigation strategies, and risk control implementation.
• Make significant contributions to Medline's Global Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) and drive continuous improvement across the pharmaceutical network.
• Develop and implement best practices related to environmental monitoring, particulate control, gowning, cleaning, cleanroom operations, and critical utility systems.
• Provide training and technical leadership to personnel at all organizational levels, from shop floor personnel to executive leadership.
• Lead and support investigations associated with contamination control issues, excursions, and product quality events.
• Serve as a subject matter expert during audits, inspections, and remediation efforts.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, or related science.

Certification / Licensure:

• None

Work Experience:

• At least 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing Some medical device engineering and/or quality assurance experience preferred

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Position requires travel up to 30% of the time for business purposes (domestic and international).
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including:
• Lead project teams by providing structure and delegating tasks in accordance with the skills of each team member
• Promote an engaging atmosphere within the group that helps foster open dialogue and is inclusive to all
• Independently manage projects to ensure deadlines are met and any delays are communicated/mitigated proactively
• Demonstrated Critical Thinking and Problem Solving abilities, including:
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and internal customers as a key contributor and/or project manager, driving solutions and producing results for major projects such as QMS Improvements, Cost Savings opportunities, Process alignments, software launches/improvements; ensuring inputs and stakeholder needs are met
• Managing and engaging on multiple projects with competing needs and resource requirements
• Change management and leadership experience associated with process and QMS enhancements
• Improving organizational efficiencies by solving challenging and ambiguous problems with system and process solutions
• Sound judgment, ability to quickly evaluate information to make decisions while mitigating risk to the business. Capable of maintaining a sense of calm during crisis management to identify and present unique solutions.
• Exposure to statistical techniques and data collection methods to aid decision making based on data
• Good understanding of auditor expectations, able to properly document actions taken and support them through objective evidence. Able to identify compliance gaps and set forth actions to correct deficient areas.
• Demonstrated Communication and Interpersonal abilities, including:
• Communicating project status and complex subject matter to directors, vice presidents and executive members, to provide insight into the current state of the business or project, and as required, inspire the envisioned end state
• Understanding of when written or verbal communication is required and ability to tailor the information to a variety of audiences (quality, division, individual contributor, management etc.)
• Through PowerPoint or other presentation mediums, able to confidently present to both small and large groups of varying audiences
• Demonstrate the capability to transfer technical knowledge to team members through formal training sessions, one‑on‑one interactions, and hands‑on practical experiences

PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Work Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical/medical device engineering and/or quality assurance.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Subject matter expertise in microbiology, sterility assurance, environmental monitoring, water systems, steam systems, compressed air systems, and/or laboratory controls.
• Strong technical foundation supporting pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience applying Lean principles, including process improvement, value stream mapping, Kaizen, and quality metric management.
• Skilled in risk assessments, pFMEA development, root cause analysis, investigations, and CAPA implementation.
• Experience developing and presenting inspection-ready documentation.

Medline Industries, LP, and its subsidiaries, offer a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.

The anticipated salary range for this position:

$116,000.00 - $174,000.00 Annual

The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s location, education, experience, skills, and abilities. This role is bonus and/or incentive eligible. Medline will not pay less than the applicable minimum wage or salary threshold.

Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average. For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions, paid time off, as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here.

We’re dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best. Explore our Belonging pagehere.

Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.