Quality Engineer II

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness programs

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Education programs

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. in Melville seeks a Quality Engineer II to lead Quality Operations, drive quality strategy, and ensure regulatory compliance across manufacturing processes.

The role manages complex investigations, CAPA, risk mitigation, and data analysis, while developing a team and collaborating with cross-functional partners on new product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years QE experience in a fast-paced regulated manufacturing environment.
• ASQ or Lean Certification preferred.
• 5% Travel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee investigations, deviations, and CAPA quality actions with robust risk mitigation.
• Lead high‑risk, systemic investigations across manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Apply advanced root cause analysis and ensure sustained CAPAs.
• Provide technical guidance for floor troubleshooting and packaging components.

Skills

Quality engineering

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science

Tools

ASQ Certification

Job description

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

Description

The Quality Engineer II (QE II) is a leader within Quality Operations responsible for driving quality strategy, managing risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance across manufacturing operations at the Melville site. This role leads complex investigations, advances risk mitigation and continuous improvement initiatives, and provides technical oversight across quality systems, validation, and new product launches. In addition to individual contributions, the QE II serves as a people manager, developing and leading a team, while strengthening technical capabilities in data analysis, statistical problem-solving, and quality engineering practices. The QE II operates with a high degree of independence, influencing cross‑functional and global initiatives to ensure sustainable process performance and a strong culture of quality.

Quality Investigations, CAPA & Risk Leadership (25%)

• Provide oversight and direction for consumer complaint, deviation, and quality inquiry (QI) investigations, and review investigation quality, trending, and effectiveness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Lead complex, high-risk, and systemic investigations across manufacturing and packaging operations
• Apply advanced root cause analysis tools and ensure robust, risk‑based CAPAs are developed and sustained
• Partner with site Quality leadership on significant quality issues originating within the Melville site

Work Center, Manufacturing & Packaging Technical Oversight (15%)

• Provide higher‑level oversight and technical guidance for on‑floor troubleshooting, manufacturing equipment challenges, and functional component issues
• Support escalation and resolution of quality‑related disruptions impacting line efficiency and compliance
• Provide technical expertise in packaging components, design, manufacturing processes, and functional failure modes
• Work with suppliers, developers, Packaging Development, Commercialization Engineering, and Production teams to define and align critical quality requirements

Advanced Data Analysis, Continuous Improvement & QE Projects (15%)

• Serve as a site resource for statistical process control (SPC), data analysis, and advanced trending methodologies
• Conduct and oversee analysis of data to identify trends, loss drivers, and improvement opportunities
• Lead or sponsor quality engineering projects using statistical tools and structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Lead critical site quality initiatives and act as the Melville Site QA representative on global and cross‑functional programs

New Product Launch (NPL), Validation & Process Excellence (20%)

• Provide quality leadership and oversight for NPL activities, including component evaluations, line tests, first production runs, in‑process inspections, and post‑trial evaluations
• Guide dFMEA and pFMEA activities and broader process mapping and risk mitigation efforts
• Collaborate with Commercialization Engineering, Packaging Development, Supplier Quality, Brand Quality, and cross‑functional teams to identify and mitigate risks early in the product lifecycle
• Provide quality oversight for equipment URS development, qualification, and process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Ensure appropriate packaging test methods are selected, developed, and implemented for new package designs, new technologies, and new or modified manufacturing lines, ensuring alignment with product requirements

Additional Responsibilities

GMP, Compliance & Audit Leadership (10%)

• Serve as a GMP and compliance leader, ensuring activities align with internal procedures and global regulatory expectations
• Support internal audits and external inspections with strong technical and regulatory knowledge
• Act as a quality authority on documentation, procedures, technical reports, and quality records
• Drive audit readiness and compliance improvements across the site
• Support interpretation and application of regulatory requirements including FDA, ISO 22716, CSAR, and MFDS expectations

People Leadership & Mentorship (15%)

• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of QE I roles and/or Quality Specialists
• Strengthen team capability in data analysis, statistical thinking, structured problem solving, and quality engineering practices
• Set priorities, allocate workload, and drive accountability for quality performance and deliverables

Provide technical mentorship and act as an escalation point for complex quality, validation, and risk issues

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Science, or equivalent experience (10+ years in a related field)
• 5+ years QE experience in a fast‑paced regulated manufacturing environment
• ASQ or Lean Certification preferred
• 5% Travel

Pay Range

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $85,000.00 to $139,600.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees:

• Health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Wellness and family support programs
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Paid leave programs
• Education‑related programs
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Many others

Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact [e-mail].

Michigan Applicants

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for employment must notify the company in writing of the need for an accommodation within 182 days after the date the person with a disability knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.

Philadelphia Applicants

Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring Law

Rhode Island Applicants

The company is subject to chapters 29-38 of title 28 of the general laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law.