Principal Quality Engineer - Metals Process

Innovation starts from the heart. Edwards Lifesciences is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. With millions of patients served in over 100 countries, each team makes a meaningful contribution by improving patient outcomes and discovering lasting solutions for unmet patient needs. Our Principal Quality Engineer position is a unique career opportunity that could be your next step towards an exciting future.

As a Principal Quality Engineer within the Metals Process Engineering Group (MPEG), you will support nitinol frame and implant component development. This role will support multiple phases of nitinol product(s) development projects such as design verification, validations, launch and stabilize, and transfers to Ireland and Singapore. As the Quality engineer, you will support advanced characterization, functional testing, and inspection development. You will also provide advanced understanding of the product development process,  risk management, process monitoring and control, validations, traceability and risk based decision making.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Lead identification, development, and optimization of complex material characterization, testing methods, and inspection processes using engineering methods (e.g., Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing tools) for development of nitinol frame and component processes.

• Implement advance process monitoring and statistical process control of complex processes to drive process control, capability and stability.

• Drive the development and manage the execution of complex experiments and tests (including writing and executing protocols) to validate and improve products (including evaluation of source materials and suppliers) and establish robust manufacturing processes/test methods based on engineering principles; ensure completion of comprehensive process validations (TMV/IQ/OQ/PQ), including analyzing results and developing reports; collaborate with cross-functional team members to facilitate project success and on-time completion.

• Collaborate with engineers for equipment selection and validation.

• Provide training and mentorship to enable the seamless knowledge transfer of project and manufacturing processes to receiving sites (Draper, Ireland, Singapore)

• Develop technical content of risk management documentation and partner with DA and R&D engineers to ensure nitinol manufacturing considerations are incorporated into RMW, FMEAs, QCPs, etc.

• Lead in the investigation of complex manufacturing product quality and compliance issues (e.g., Material Review Board, SCAR, CAPA, non-conformances, audit observations) based on engineering principles; analyze results, make recommendations and develop reports.

• Train, coach, and guide other quality engineers on complex principles

• Oversee Quality support tasks; gives instruction to engineers/technicians on conducting tests; trains engineers/ technicians and provides feedback; and may coordinate engineers/ technician work.

• Lead, review and approve compliant change control.

• Other incidental duties

What You'll Need (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a scientific field with 6 years of experience (industry and/or industry/education), or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a scientific field with 5 years of experience (industry and/or industry/education).

What Else We Look For (Preferred):

• Proven expertise in usage of MS Office Suite

• Ability to read and interpret drawings

• Proven expertise in statistical techniques and SPC

• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills

• Ability to translate technical information to all levels of the organizations

• Extensive knowledge and understanding and knowledge of principles, theories, and concepts relevant to Quality Engineering (e.g., CQE body of knowledge)

• Knowledge of Six Sigma concepts with ability to apply to work product

• Knowledge of Quality Engineering concepts with ability to apply to work product

• Advanced problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills

• Extensive understanding of processes and equipment used in assigned work

• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change

• Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines as they relate to department clean room medical device manufacturing

• Strict attention to detail

• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment

• Work is performed independently while exercising considerable latitude in making significant decisions

• Set policies and standards that are followed by others

• Guides others in resolving basic issues in specialized area based on existing solutions and procedures

• Must be able to work in a team environment, including frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts

• Represents organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects

• Develops technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of creativity

• Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products/services or processes

• Typically resolves complex problems or problems where precedent may not exist

• Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control

• Experience with automation, software testing, and software validation is strongly preferred

Travel Requirements:
% not specified, but travel has occurred in the past on an as-needed basis for project continuity

Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

Edwards is committed to protecting our vulnerable patients and the healthcare providers who are treating them. As such, all patient-facing and in-hospital positions require COVID-19 vaccination. If hired into a covered role, as a condition of employment, you will be required to submit proof that you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you request and are granted a medical or religious accommodation for exemption from the vaccination requirement. This vaccination requirement does not apply in locations where it is prohibited by law to impose vaccination.