QA Engineer - Supplier & Toller Quality

Job Description

Stepan is seeking a QA Engineer – Supplier & Toller Quality to join our Quality Assurance team in Northbrook. In this role, you will report to the Chris Fellmann – Senior Manager, Operations and Supplier Quality. 2-3 simple sentences to explain what the job entails.

This role in Quality Assurance requires leading cross-functional efforts to qualify and manage Contract Manufacturing partners, ensuring quality and compliance through audits, documentation, and risk mitigation. You oversee lab performance and supplier quality analytics, driving improvements through standardized practices, data review, and training. Additionally, you support issue resolution, customer complaint investigations, and maintain compliance with global standards and certifications.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead Qualification of New Contract Manufacturers
Partnering with cross-functional teams to qualify Tollers, Transloaders, Warehouses, Pack Facilities, and Purchase-Resell operations by proactively identifying and mitigating risks before commercial production begins.
• Resolve Quality Issues and Customer Complaints
Leading root cause investigations, defining corrective/preventive actions, and managing complaint closure—including performance tracking and communication with customers.
• Document and Track Quality Issues (SCARs)
Driving rigor in documenting all Contract Manufacturing-related quality issues and resolutions in the appropriate systems (e.g., NCR).
• Drive Lab Excellence Across Tollers
Define and implement standardized laboratory best practices. Conduct site visits to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Establish SQC Data Review Process
Develop and manage a plan for Statistical Quality Control (SQC) review of in-process and final data to improve Right First Time (RFT) performance.
• Strengthen Lab Personnel Capabilities
Collaborate with Tollers and Stepan R&D to provide targeted training and maintain ownership of lab competency development.
• Support management of change process (P-com) and new product introduction (EPR) into Contract Manufacturers
Work together with cross functional teams to support (and own, when necessary) change management within Stepan’s processes

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in data analysis and appropriate software
• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulations

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering or chemistry equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Quality, Production and/or Lab environment

Pay Range: $84,000 - $113,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.