Job Description

Join our organization — a global company committed to delivering high-quality materials and components that support human and animal health. We value collaboration, continuous improvement, and the professional growth of our people. If you want to make a measurable impact on product quality and supplier performance across a dynamic supply chain, this role offers hands-on responsibility and strong cross-functional exposure.

Role overview

We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to serve as the primary point of contact for high‑risk and escalated suppliers that provide purchased materials to our Human Health and/or Animal Health sites. You will be assigned to one of five categories (Glass, Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, Product Contact, or Raw Materials) and will also provide cross-category support during workload surges.

Reporting to the Supplier Development and Performance Management Associate Director, you will lead supplier investigations and improvement initiatives, coach suppliers on quality and regulatory expectations, and partner with internal stakeholders (Operations, Quality, Planning, Global Procurement, Global Technology Operations) to ensure robust supply continuity and compliance.

Why this role matters

Protect patient and animal safety by ensuring supplier compliance with worldwide regulatory requirements and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)Drive measurable supplier improvement through root-cause investigations and execution of Supplier Improvement Plans (SIPs) and CAPAsInfluence cross-functional stakeholders and help shape supplier quality strategy across the region

Key responsibilities

Act as primary regional contact for suppliers and internal sites; support assigned category (Glass, Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, Product Contact, or Raw Materials) and provide cross-category assistance as requiredTravel to supplier and site locations (up to 50%) to resolve manufacturing, quality, technical, and supply issues; lead on-site investigations and improvement activitiesMonitor and maintain supplier compliance with regulatory requirements, cGMPs, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and contractual obligationsLead supplier deviation investigations and develop irreversible corrective and preventative actions using structured problem-solving methodsDevelop, execute, and monitor Supplier Improvement Plans for Constant Care suppliers and support SIPs for Critical Care suppliersProvide technical guidance on component/material usage and work with suppliers to upskill capabilities and improve materials/servicesManage supplier-related deviation management, responses to audit findings, and customer complaints; own supplier investigations and report outcomes to weekly Tier meetingsContribute to quality agreements, supplier metrics, and scorecards; support periodic business reviews with suppliersEscalate significant issues to the SD&PM Associate Director and relevant site personnel

What we’re looking for

Relevant scientific, technical, manufacturing, or quality experience sufficient to administer and control supplier quality and technical programsStrong knowledge of cGMPs, regulatory requirements, and Quality Management SystemsDemonstrated ability to lead root-cause investigations and drive effective CAPAs/SIPsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skills — able to liaise effectively with suppliers, site teams, and global functionsWillingness and ability to travel up to 50% within the regionCategory specialization in Glass, Primary or Secondary Packaging, Product Contact, or Raw Materials is preferred; ability to support across categories is essential

What we offer

A collaborative, inclusive work environment where your technical expertise directly contributes to product quality and safetyOpportunities for professional development and cross-functional exposure across Quality, Operations, Procurement, and Technical teamsCompetitive benefits package (details provided during the application process)

If you’re passionate about supplier quality and want to work in a role with real ownership and impact, we’d love to hear from you

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Communication, Management Process, Process Improvements, Project Management, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Supplier Development, Supplier Performance Management (PM), Supplier Quality Management, Supplier Scorecard

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

09/20/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R362646