Sr Technologist, R&D

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Irvine, CA, USA
In-Office
70K-99K Annually
Senior level
Healthtech • Pharmaceutical
The Role
Conducts advanced materials testing and characterization for medical device R&D, including method development, equipment validation, troubleshooting, data analysis, and failure-mode investigation. Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment, develops fixtures and technical documentation, implements process improvements, and supports engineering change requests. Serves as a subject matter expert, collaborates with R&D and Quality teams, works with vendors, and trains lower-level employees.
Summary Generated by Built In

Innovation starts from the heart. Our Advanced Innovation & Technology (AI&T) teams harness the imagination, courage, and resourcefulness to think beyond what’s currently possible, and create solutions for patients many years into the future. If you’re an early-stage innovator, then Edwards AI&T team is the place for you to take the next steps in your career. We’ll give you the tools and resources you need to create groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of structural heart technology.


In this role within the Metals Center of Excellence, you will apply advanced expertise in materials testing and characterization to support business units across Edwards. In close partnership with R&D, Quality, and other cross-functional teams, you will generate reliable data, interpret complex results, and provide technical insights that guide product development, quality decisions, and materials innovation.


How you’ll make an impact:

  • Serve as a subject matter expert supporting materials testing, materials characterization, test method development, instrument qualification and validation, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • Set up, operate a wide range of materials testing and characterization equipment, including tensile and fatigue testers, corrosion equipment, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopes, and scanning electron microscopes, as well as associated chemicals.
  • Perform testing and accurately collect, document, analyze, and interpret test data.
  • Develop and validate test methods and support equipment qualification activities.
  • Use drawings, diagrams, layouts, defined plans, and written or verbal instructions to perform complex testing, checkout, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Perform operational tests, identify failure modes, and propose and implement technical solutions for systems and equipment.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment through preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting, and partner with equipment vendors as needed.
  • Identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions that optimize test methods, procedures, fixtures, and equipment.
  • Train, coach, and guide lower-level employees on new procedures, assess work techniques, and provide feedback to engineers.
  • Design and build simple fixtures using sketches, CAD, or similar tools, and create or modify drawings and procedures for fixtures, equipment, products, or processes.
  • Initiate Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and support associated technical documentation.

What you’ll need (Required):

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent technical degree or certificate and 8 years of related experience, including previous experience in an R&D laboratory and/or the medical device industry - OR -
  • 10 years of related experience.

What else we look for (Preferred):

  • Extensive knowledge of laboratory equipment and the ability to perform complex troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving.
  • Experience with statistical techniques, test methods, equipment validation, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
  • Ability to work in and may lead interdepartmental teams, exchange technical information across functions, and represent Edwards with equipment vendors and other outside contacts.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey technical opinions and recommendations and influence outcomes.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with CAD or drafting software when applicable.
  • Ability to identify relevant issues in complex situations, apply standard procedures, and propose practical technical solutions.
  • Ability to use a wide range of manufacturing, test, development, diagnostic, and measurement equipment and to read and understand procedures, drawings, and schematics.
  • Experience drafting technical documents, including manufacturing and testing procedures, and knowledge of ECR software systems.
  • Strict attention to detail and the ability to provide professional, direct, and tactful feedback while guiding lower-level employees.
  • Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines related to laboratory and/or clean room medical device manufacturing, including taking appropriate measures to prevent injury, protect the environment, and prevent pollution within the scope of the role.

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, the base pay range for this position is $70,000 to $99,000 (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.

Skills Required

  • Associate's degree or equivalent technical degree or certificate and 8 years of related experience, including experience in an R&D laboratory and/or medical device industry
  • Alternatively, 10 years of related experience
  • Extensive knowledge of laboratory equipment and complex troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving
  • Experience with statistical techniques, test methods, equipment validation, and Good Documentation Practices
  • Ability to work in and potentially lead interdepartmental teams and communicate technical information across functions
  • Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; CAD or drafting software experience when applicable
  • Ability to use manufacturing, test, development, diagnostic, and measurement equipment and interpret procedures, drawings, and schematics
  • Experience drafting manufacturing and testing procedures and knowledge of ECR software systems
  • Knowledge of laboratory and/or clean-room medical device manufacturing environmental health, safety, and quality guidelines

Edwards Lifesciences Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Edwards Lifesciences and has not been reviewed or approved by Edwards Lifesciences.

  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is considered strong, with multiple plan choices, HSA options, and fertility support, and the company highlights holistic well‑being programs.
  • Retirement Support — A company 401(k) match and well‑regarded retirement offerings add clear long‑term value to total compensation.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a discount and look‑back feature makes equity ownership accessible and enhances the total rewards package.

Edwards Lifesciences Insights

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The Company
HQ: Irvine, CA
13,687 Employees
Year Founded: 1958

What We Do

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW), is the global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. We thrive on discovery and expanding the boundaries of medical technology, serving patients in 100+ countries, with the help of our employees in areas including Clinical Affairs, Quality Engineering, Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs, Sales & Marketing, corporate functions and more. Our roots date back to 1958 when Miles Lowell Edwards, a retired engineer with a background in hydraulics and fuel pump operations, set out to build the first artificial heart. Edwards believed the heart could be mechanized and was encouraged by Dr. Albert Starr to focus on developing an artificial heart valve. After just two years, the first Starr-Edwards mitral valve was developed and successfully placed in a patient. This innovation spawned Edwards Laboratories. Miles’ fascination with healing the heart and helping patients with heart disease stemmed from his own experience with rheumatic fever as a teenager and continues to fuel our patient-first culture today. Today, we are as passionate about providing innovative solutions for people fighting cardiovascular disease as we have ever been. It's our Credo. It takes integrity, collaboration, innovation, and focus. We are leaders in the design and manufacture of tissue replacement heart valves and repair products as well as advanced hemodynamic monitoring. We partner with physicians to innovate products designed to help patients live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Our work is both rewarding and a privilege. The importance of what we do defines our approach. We work together to create an environment where ideas can flourish and we provide our people with the resources, expertise and support to bring those ideas to life. For our legal terms and trademarks, please visit: https://www.edwards.com/legal/legal-terms

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