Quality Engineer
BioIVT is a leading global provider of research models and value-added research services for drug discovery and development. We specialize in control and disease-state biospecimens, including human and animal tissues, cell products, blood and other biofluids. Our unmatched portfolio of clinical specimens directly supports precision medicine research, aiming to improve patient outcomes by coupling comprehensive clinical data with donor samples. As the premier supplier of hepatic products, including hepatocytes and subcellular fractions, BioIVT enables scientists to better understand the pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism of newly discovered compounds and their effects on disease processes.
About the role
The Quality Engineer plays a critical role in promoting, supporting, and fostering a culture of quality throughout the organization. This position is responsible for ensuring that products, processes, and quality systems meet applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations. The Quality Engineer supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality management systems (QMS) and compliance programs while driving continuous improvement initiatives across multiple business functions. A significant portion of this role involves the creation, review, approval, and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training materials, and quality documentation. The Quality Engineer will also facilitate training programs to ensure employees understand and comply with applicable regulations, internal policies, and quality system requirements in a practical, fit-for-purpose manner that supports business objectives.
Candidates must reside within the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT). While we consider applicants from most states, we are unable to hire in AK, HI, NM, ND, SD, RI, or VT.
Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to:
- Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- FDA regulations and guidance
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- State Departments of Health requirements
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
- College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
- Human Research Protection (HRP) regulations and standards
- Global data privacy regulations
- ISO 9001 standards (2015;13485)
- USDA regulations
- Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licensing requirements, where applicable
- DEA and state-controlled substance regulations, where applicable
- Other applicable federal, state, and international regulations
Responsibilities
- Quality Systems and Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain compliant GxP Quality Management Systems (QMS) for assigned BioIVT sites.
- Establish and monitor quality programs to evaluate product quality, process performance, and regulatory compliance.
- Support site readiness for internal, customer, and regulatory inspections.
- Audit Management
- Support and participate in internal audit programs through risk-based facility and process audits.
- Prepare audit reports, communicate findings to management, and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up activities.
- Coordinate corrective actions and verify effective closure of audit observations.
- Support supplier and vendor qualification audits, including routine and for-cause assessments.
- Quality Investigations and CAPA
- Lead or support root cause investigations related to deviations, nonconformances, complaints, and quality events.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and drive systemic improvements.
- Facilitate the development, implementation, and effectiveness verification of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Validation and Product Release Support
- Coordinate, review, and approve validation protocols, reports, and supporting documentation.
- Provide quality oversight for qualification and validation activities.
- Support product release decisions by evaluating specifications, quality data, and risk assessments.
- Quality Metrics and Continuous Improvement
- Collect, compile, analyze, and trend quality and operational data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Monitor key quality performance indicators and provide recommendations to enhance product quality and process consistency.
- Prepare and present quality metrics and performance reports for Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs leadership.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality system effectiveness and operational excellence.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Production, Operations, Laboratory, Regulatory Affairs, and other functional teams to address quality concerns and improve processes.
- Participate in routine cross-functional meetings to review quality performance and resolve issues.
- Provide guidance and support on quality requirements and best practices throughout the organization.
- Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the employee's training, experience, and qualifications.
This is a remote position; however, travel is required to support site operations, audits, inspections, training, and other business needs. Up to 40% travel may be required annually.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related field) required.
- Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Systems, Operations, Manufacturing, or related functions within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or regulated life sciences industries.
- Strong working knowledge of cGMP, GLP, GDP, and other applicable quality and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of Quality Management Systems and GxP regulations.
- Strong knowledge of biological products, laboratory operations, and cell culture best practices.
- Understanding of analytical test methods, product specifications, and data interpretation.
- Proven experience conducting audits, investigations, risk assessments, and CAPA management.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and report preparation.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database systems.
- Experience with electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS); MasterControl experience is preferred.
Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this role, the employee may be required to:
- Sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach.
- Use hands and fingers to operate computer equipment and laboratory tools.
- Communicate effectively through speaking, hearing, and writing.
- Maintain visual acuity, including close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
- Frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
Work Environment
This position is classified as a combination of Administrative and Laboratory Support. The employee will regularly work in a professional office environment and may periodically work in laboratory, manufacturing, warehouse, or other controlled environments. Exposure may include:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
- Biological materials and biohazards
- Hazardous chemicals and controlled substances
- Airborne particles and laboratory fumes
- Flammable materials
- Radiation sources (where applicable)
- Mechanical equipment and moving parts
- Electrical equipment
- Noise levels are generally moderate but may occasionally require hearing protection.
Work may be performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and environmental conditions.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefit package for eligible team members, including:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Short-term/long-term disability, life insurance, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Generous retirement plan with a company match
- Competitive time-off policies
- Company-sponsored events for the entire team
- Collaborative environment that promotes growth from within