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Jr Engineer, Quality Assurance - Job Opportunity at West Pharmaceutical Services

Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache, France
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 25, 2025
On-site
EUR 35,000 - 42,000 annually. This estimate reflects entry-level quality engineering positions in the French pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the Hauts-de-France region. West Pharmaceutical Services, as a global leader in pharmaceutical packaging, likely offers competitive compensation packages that include performance bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and structured career development programs that can significantly enhance total compensation value.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit programs supporting physical, mental, emotional and financial health for employees and their families
Inclusive community environment with opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development
Growth and development programs with structured career advancement pathways
Community giving and sustainability initiatives demonstrating corporate social responsibility

Key Responsibilities

Lead quality department representation in CAPEX project teams, ensuring strategic alignment between capital investments and quality excellence standards
Drive compliance initiatives for new equipment and programs, establishing quality frameworks that protect patient safety and regulatory standing
Spearhead continuous improvement projects focused on Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ) reduction, directly impacting organizational profitability and operational efficiency
Manage and optimize blocked inventory processes across finished goods, semi-finished products, and raw materials, minimizing financial impact and supply chain disruptions
Conduct comprehensive risk analyses and develop actionable mitigation strategies to protect product quality and business continuity
Define, implement, and optimize quality processes while establishing KPI frameworks for European operations and local facility performance monitoring
Execute internal audit programs according to annual strategic plans, ensuring regulatory compliance and identifying improvement opportunities
Lead validation activities including method expertise, FMECA participation, and validation dossier review and approval processes
Provide critical laboratory support through deviation review, out-of-specification result evaluation, and technical guidance to ensure data integrity
Ensure strict GMP compliance across all operations, maintaining the highest standards of product safety and regulatory adherence

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Quality Assurance Engineering or equivalent with strong technical background

Experience

Initial experience as apprentice or short-term mission in industrial Quality Assurance is preferred; no minimum required, 2 years similar experience preferred

Required Skills

Good knowledge of quality regulations and GMP Proficiency in written and oral English required Good practice of Microsoft Office and SAP Excellent oral and written communication skills Interpersonal skills and teamwork abilities Good general presentation Analytical skills and initiative spirit required Ability to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy and Quality Manual Able to comply with company's safety policy at all times Able to comply with company's quality policy at all times
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical packaging industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by the global expansion of injectable drug therapies, with companies like West Pharmaceutical Services positioned at the forefront of this trend. The increasing complexity of biologics and biosimilars requires sophisticated quality assurance frameworks, making junior QA engineers essential for maintaining compliance with evolving FDA, EMA, and other international regulatory standards. Digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing is creating new opportunities for data-driven quality management, with increasing emphasis on predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated compliance systems. Junior engineers entering this field will be expected to leverage advanced data analysis tools and contribute to the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in GMP environments. The post-COVID pharmaceutical landscape has intensified focus on supply chain resilience and quality risk management, particularly for critical drug delivery systems. This has created sustained demand for quality professionals who can navigate complex international regulations while supporting rapid scale-up of production capabilities.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a quality team of 8-15 professionals, including senior quality engineers, quality managers, and specialized validation experts. The role involves extensive cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, regulatory affairs, and laboratory teams, providing broad exposure to pharmaceutical operations and decision-making processes.
This is a strategically important entry-level position designed to develop future quality leaders within West's organization. The role carries significant responsibility for supporting CAPEX projects and managing quality processes, indicating the company's investment in building comprehensive quality expertise from the ground up. The position offers exposure to high-level strategic initiatives while providing structured mentorship and development opportunities.

Key Projects

CAPEX project quality integration initiatives involving multi-million euro equipment installations and facility expansions Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ) reduction programs targeting process optimization and waste elimination Regulatory compliance initiatives supporting FDA, EMA, and other international inspections Supplier quality management programs ensuring supply chain integrity Annual product reviews for Westar® product lines supporting global market strategies

Success Factors

Developing deep expertise in GMP regulations and pharmaceutical quality systems while maintaining current knowledge of evolving international standards and industry best practices Building strong cross-functional relationships and communication skills to effectively represent quality interests in multidisciplinary project teams and strategic initiatives Mastering data analysis and risk assessment methodologies to support evidence-based decision making and continuous improvement initiatives Cultivating a proactive mindset toward problem-solving and process optimization, with emphasis on preventing quality issues rather than reactive troubleshooting Establishing credibility through consistent attention to detail, regulatory compliance, and professional development in quality management principles

Market Demand

High demand with excellent long-term prospects. The pharmaceutical quality assurance sector is experiencing robust growth due to increasing regulatory complexity, expanding global drug markets, and the critical nature of quality systems in patient safety. Junior positions serve as essential pipeline roles for developing the next generation of quality leaders.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

GMP knowledge and regulatory compliance expertise are absolutely essential as they form the foundation of all quality activities in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines directly impacts the company's ability to maintain manufacturing licenses and market access for critical healthcare products. Data analysis and SAP proficiency are crucial for managing quality metrics, tracking performance indicators, and supporting evidence-based decision making. These technical skills enable effective management of complex quality datasets and integration with enterprise resource planning systems. Cross-functional communication abilities are vital given the role's requirement to represent quality interests across diverse project teams and stakeholder groups. Strong communication skills directly impact project success and quality initiative implementation.

Beneficial Skills

Project management capabilities would enhance effectiveness in CAPEX project participation and continuous improvement initiatives, supporting career advancement toward leadership roles Statistical analysis and Six Sigma methodologies would strengthen capability in Cost of Poor Quality reduction and process optimization initiatives Additional language skills beyond English and French would support career mobility within West's global organization and enhance value in international project teams

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge pharmaceutical packaging technologies that directly impact patient safety and treatment efficacy for millions of patients globally
Exposure to complex international regulatory environments including FDA, EMA, and other global health authorities, providing valuable expertise in worldwide compliance standards
Integration of traditional quality management principles with emerging digital technologies and data analytics in pharmaceutical manufacturing
Direct involvement in CAPEX projects worth millions of euros, providing early-career exposure to major capital investment decisions and strategic planning
Bilingual working environment requiring English and French proficiency, enhancing international career prospects and cultural competency

Career Growth

Advancement to senior quality engineer typically occurs within 3-5 years, with progression to management roles possible within 5-8 years based on performance, additional education, and leadership development. West's global presence provides opportunities for international assignments and accelerated career advancement.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Quality Engineer with expanded project leadership responsibilities and technical specialization Quality Manager overseeing departmental operations and strategic quality initiatives Validation Specialist focusing on advanced validation methodologies and regulatory submissions Regulatory Affairs Specialist leveraging quality expertise in global compliance management

Company Overview

West Pharmaceutical Services

West Pharmaceutical Services stands as a global leader in pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery systems, with over a century of innovation in critical healthcare solutions. The company's legacy includes pivotal contributions to mass penicillin production during World War II and continues today through advanced injectable drug delivery technologies serving millions of patients worldwide. West operates manufacturing facilities across multiple continents and maintains strong relationships with major pharmaceutical companies globally.

West holds a dominant position in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, particularly in injectable drug delivery systems and elastomeric components. The company's products are essential to the global pharmaceutical supply chain, with strong market share in critical applications including vaccines, biologics, and specialty pharmaceuticals. West's financial performance and market capitalization reflect its stable, essential role in healthcare infrastructure.
The Le Nouvion facility represents West's significant investment in European manufacturing capabilities, serving as a key production site for the company's European and global operations. This location provides strategic access to major European pharmaceutical markets while maintaining cost-effective operations in the Hauts-de-France region. The facility's role in West's global network offers employees exposure to international business practices and career mobility opportunities.
West maintains a patient-focused culture that emphasizes safety, quality, and innovation as core values. The company's commitment to employee development, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement creates an environment that supports both professional growth and personal fulfillment. The organization's emphasis on continuous learning and technical excellence provides a strong foundation for career advancement in the pharmaceutical industry.
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