Director, Engineering Research Laboratory

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 and critical care. 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:

The Director, Engineering Research Laboratory will have the primary focus of managing multiple testing and development teams and accountable for management of the Surgical research and testing laboratory.

Plan and direct complex project activities with large scale or significant business impact with the accountability for successful completion of all project deliverables to the business and develop project plans and schedule, scope, and quality objectives. Lead in identifying risk, developing mitigation strategies, alternative solutions, resolving issues, etc. in collaboration with cross functional groups

Manage supervisors, managers, and/or experienced professionals and/or oversee the work of one or more areas, functionalities, and/or locations and have some budgetary responsibilities. Develop a robust talent development plan in alignment with functional growth strategies of the department.

Lead cross-functional laboratory, test method development, and 3D printing / prototyping and/or departmental groups to develop and provide test method design/validation recommendations that appropriately simulate in vivo conditions and comply with all relevant standards.

Lead efforts to optimize lab and test processes and systems by assessing business needs and developing, proposing and implementing technology solution options.

Align laboratory efforts with business priorities and timelines. Design, track, and present key performance indices/metrics for all relevant laboratory activities.

Oversee development of all necessary lab procedures, methods, and protocols. Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards for all laboratory environments.

Other incidental duties

What you'll need (Required):

Bachelor's Degree in in related field related experience in engineering and skill levels exceeding the requirements of the previous level and

Demonstrated track record in management of technical and/or engineering disciplines

What else we look for (Preferred):

Experience working in an FDA regulated industry strongly preferred

Experience with Tissue valves, nitinol, and cobalt chromium is desirable

SEM and X-ray analysis experience is desirable

Proven successful project management leadership skills

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills including high discretion/judgment in decision making

Excellent documentation, communication, and presentation skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills with ability to drive achievement of objective

Expert understanding of engineering test methodology procedures while identifying applications of functional knowledge and existing methodologies to complex problems

Expert understanding of related aspects of engineering laboratory processes and/or systems

Knowledge of financial acumen as it relates to laboratory and capital equipment acquisition, and maintenance

Demonstrated ability to manage one or more teams and provide coaching and feedback, including responsibility for all employee actions including hire/fire authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations

Ability to influence cross-functional partners, business units, and/or sites and may engage with and influence senior management

Ability to develop and integrate metrics into the projects and operations that clearly demonstrate the value, impact, resourcing needs, and timeline impacts of laboratory efforts to the business

Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels and proactively escalate issues to appropriate levels of management in the organization

Ability to work and excel within a fast paced, dynamic, and constantly changing work environment

Frequently interacts with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives concerning projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and/or contractual clarifications

Lead briefings and technical meetings for internal and external representatives

Require the ability to change the thinking of, or gain acceptance from others in sensitive situations, without damage to the relationship

Dedicated to quality client service and pro-active and responsive to client needs.

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

Provide leadership and direction to cross-functional teams to successfully implement global enterprise systems and related solutions

Develop relationships and leverage them to influence change

Support and solicit input from team members at all levels

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

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 $152,000 to $216,000 (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.

Req-34033