Principal R&D Design Engineer

Innovation starts from the heart. At Edwards, we put patients first. We invest a significant proportion of our revenue towards research and development to drive and develop groundbreaking medical innovations for structural heart disease. As part of our R&D Engineering team, you will work closely with our Quality and Manufacturing teams to develop the latest tools and technologies to address significant, unmet clinical needs that impact patients’ lives around the world.

Dedicated to innovation, our Surgical business unit is focused on identifying and solving critical, unmet needs in cardiac surgery. In understanding the challenges of open-heart surgery, we partner with surgical teams to deliver modern technologies intended to enhance patients’ quality of life and expand their potential treatment opportunities. It’s our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

How you will make an impact:

With a strong emphasis on innovation, our Surgical Structural Heart (SSH) business unit is dedicated to addressing significant unmet needs within the field of cardiac surgery. This position with the Design and Simulation Team offers an opportunity to advance design capabilities within the SSH R&D group, contributing to the improvement of current and emerging technologies and therapies. Primary roles and responsibilities include:

• Lead in improving, designing, and optimizing more complex tests, analyzing results, providing recommendations, and developing reports based on engineering principles that translate to innovative products

• Support project teams to optimize device design and performance by utilizing design tools and predictive engineering methods (e.g., CAD, FEA, and optimization)

• Analyze and evaluate experimental data to create and validate the computational models

• Present the analysis results to the stakeholders and contribute to publishing internal reports and technical summaries

• Proactively identify issues, achieve resolution, and resolve problems of significant complexity in designing parts, components, and subsystems

• Work in a cross-functional team environment and collaborate with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to meet project objectives

• Some domestic and international travel (up to 5%)

What you'll need (Required):

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field with minimum of 6 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering or Scientific field with minimum of 5 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Ph.D. or equivalent in Engineering or Scientific field with minimum of 2 years of experience of experience, including either industry or industry/education

• Experience with FE modeling

• Experience with FE software (ABAQUS or LS-DYNA)

• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or Creo)

• Experience with nonlinear mechanics, Fatigue, and plasticity

What else we look for (Preferred):

• MS or PhD degree in mechanical engineering is preferred

• Understanding of general engineering design principles and a working knowledge of the design of experiments (DOE) and other engineering workflows

• Familiarity with the mechanics of soft tissues is a plus

• Experience with scripting environments such as Python and MATLAB

• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Strict attention to detail

• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills, including high discretion/judgment in decision-making

• Knowledge of the cGMP Manufacturing environment within the Medical Device Industry, including knowledge of FDA / TUV guidelines and quality system regulations in general

• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels and proactively escalate issues to appropriate levels of management

• Participate and present at meetings with internal and external representatives

• Develop peer, cross-functional, and cross-business relationships to maximize best practice sharing and team effectiveness

• Ability to work independently without close supervision

• 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 the environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For California (CA), the base pay range for this position is $118,000 to $167,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.  

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.