Quality Engineer (Chemical)

About upl:

UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world’s long-term food supply. Winning farmers’ hearts across the globe, while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable, UPL is the fastest growing company in the industry. Our successes in the field add up to powerful financials. UPL delivers results from protecting crops that translate into attractive investor value. Based on the recognition that humankind is one community, UPL’s overarching commitment is to improve areas of its presence, workplace and customer engagement.

Our purpose is ‘OpenAg’. An agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all. No limits, no borders. 

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer is responsible for ensuring that agrochemical products are manufactured, tested, packaged, and distributed in compliance with company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role oversees quality management systems (QMS), product compliance, investigation of quality issues, implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply chain operations. The QA function works closely with Manufacturing, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, Supply Chain, and external manufacturing partners to maintain product quality, support regulatory compliance, and drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Ensure compliance with EPA, FIFRA, ISO 9001, GMP/GLP, and applicable agrochemical regulations.
• Review and approve batch records, specifications, SOPs, and quality documentation.
• Lead investigations into customer complaints, non-conformances, deviations, and out-of-specification results.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement CAPA programs.
• Coordinate internal, supplier, toll manufacturer, and regulatory audits.
• Monitor quality KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support qualification and oversight of contract manufacturers and suppliers.
• Lead contamination prevention, change control, and risk management activities.
• Provide quality-related training and guidance to manufacturing and support teams.
• Provide weekly/monthly quality reports to the respective parties.

Quality & Compliance

• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• GMP, GLP, & ISO 9001, compliance
• Regulatory compliance (EPA, FIFRA, and industry standards)
• Audit management (internal, supplier, and regulatory audits)
• Documentation control and SOP management

Investigation & Problem Solving

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
• Non-conformance and deviation investigations
• Customer complaint management
• Risk assessment and change control

Manufacturing & Technical Knowledge

• Agrochemical manufacturing processes
• Product quality and release management
• Batch record review and approval
• Supplier and toll manufacturer quality oversight
• Contamination prevention and process improvement

Analytical Skills

• Data analysis and trend monitoring
• Quality metrics and KPI management
• Statistical problem solving
• Continuous improvement methodologies

Leadership & Project Management

• Cross-functional team collaboration
• Training and development of personnel
• Project management and prioritization
• Quality culture development
• Decision-making and accountability

Communication Skills

• Technical report writing
• Regulatory and audit communication
• Stakeholder management
• Customer and supplier interaction
• Presentation and training delivery

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Quality Management, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in agrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing industries.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and audit processes.
• Experience with CAPA, RCA, supplier quality, and customer complaint management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in supporting the QC production lab.
• Experience in pesticide formulation design/analysis.
• Experience supporting product registrations and regulatory submissions.
• Knowledge of GLP, EPA, FAO, and CIPAC requirements.
• Experience with cross-functional teamwork.