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Edwards Lifesciences

Principal Engineer, R&D

Posted 4 Days Ago
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In-Office
Irvine, CA
121K-171K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
Irvine, CA
121K-171K Annually
Senior level
Leads advanced engineering tests, design optimization, computational modeling, FEA, and experimental data analysis for surgical medical devices. Develops and validates models, resolves complex design issues, presents technical findings, and collaborates with R&D, regulatory, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. Requires strong expertise in mechanical analysis, nonlinear mechanics, materials, and medical device engineering workflows, with up to 5% domestic and international travel.
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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.


Heart disease affects millions of individuals worldwide annually. At Edwards Lifesciences, we are committed to delivering advanced solutions for patients with cardiovascular conditions. 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.


How you’ll make an impact:

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

What else we look for (Preferred):

  • MS or PhD degree in materials science or mechanical engineering is preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in engineering design
  • 2+ years of experience in structural, Mechanical, or Fatigue Analysis
  • Demonstrated proficiency in nonlinear mechanics, plasticity, and advanced computational modeling techniques (FEA)
  • 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 $121,000 to $171,000 (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.

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