Laboratory Quality Engineer

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

The Laboratory Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the consistent quality, compliance, and performance of all raw materials used in the Sumter plant. This role oversees supplier quality management, laboratory excellence, complaint resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position partners closely with Purchasing, R&D, SQM, PI, and plant operations to maintain a stable flow of conforming materials that support safe and efficient production.

YOUR TASKS

• Own the quality performance of all raw materials at the Sumter plant, including supplier monitoring, status reporting, and local supplier approval support.
• Manage supplier complaints and lead continuous improvement efforts across all internal and external supplier quality processes, including root‑cause analysis and 8D follow‑up.
• Conduct supplier audits (including VDA 6.3), maintain audit plans, and track corrective actions for local suppliers; support SQM with corporate supplier audits.
• Lead and participate in raw material quality projects involving new materials, packaging, process changes, or supplier development.
• Oversee chemical, compound, and reinforcement laboratory testing; ensure timely release of conforming batches to production and maintain laboratory work instructions.
• Monitor laboratory and mixing KPIs, drive SPC processes, and initiate improvement activities to strengthen laboratory and material processing performance.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and the Continental QM Manual for Procurement.
• Coordinate plant requirements for raw material logistics and packaging with R&D, SQM, and Purchasing; implement improvements in transport, documentation, communication, and COA processes.
• Support plant and supplier process improvements related to raw material processability, stability, and analysis; ensure SAP usage aligns with complaint and supplier performance management requirements.
• Promote ESH responsibilities by modeling safe behavior, initiating preventive actions, and responding immediately to hazards, while supporting internal/external audits and corrective actions.

NOTE: May not be inclusive of all work required and may be updated as needed.

THE ENVIRONMENT

• Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures / guidelines must be always adhered to. This includes safety wear such as steel toes, hearing protection, etc.
• The job is within a climate-controlled environment. 

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelors degree in engineering or science field
• Minimum 2 years experience in Quality Management or Customer Management

THE PERKS

• Immediate Benefits 
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Programs
• Employees 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

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Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated preliminary sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility.