Director, Engineering, Automation

Edwards Lifesciences • Irvine, CA

3d • $159,000 - $226,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director will lead the automation of medical device manufacturing technologies for New Product Development, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and alignment with global manufacturing standards. The role collaborates with Implant and Delivery Systems Network leadership to establish business cases and roadmaps, and partners with automation teams in Singapore and Ireland to support seamless global integration. The Director oversees strategic and tactical automation program activities, develops technical capabilities and talent, and advances continuous improvement based on the Edwards Production System (EPS). On-site presence is required, with up to 25% domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a scientific discipline.
• Experience developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing equipment and processes, including automated technologies where applicable.
• On-site presence is required to lead teams and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Hands-on implementation and support of automation systems in a highly regulated cleanroom manufacturing environment.
• Engineering leadership experience and demonstrated success designing and implementing automation and process portfolios in regulated-industry manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success influencing management’s strategic decisions to invest in new and proven technology platforms.
• Extensive experience using Six Sigma tools to develop new processes and improve existing processes, leading to manufacturing value creation.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning and project management.
• Knowledge of financial budgeting and ability to evaluate the ROI of new technologies and make financial and technical portfolio-based recommendations.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, and mentoring highly educated, skilled engineering teams in a global environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage key R&D, New Product Development, and global automation relationships to ensure seamless development and integration of automated processes for the global business.
• Lead the design, prototyping, assembly, development, and troubleshooting of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.
• Identify opportunities for Design for Automation and Manufacturability.
• Develop automation strategies and roadmaps with Implant and Delivery Systems leadership teams.
• Create business cases, development plans, and risk registers with mitigation strategies.
• Oversee, inspire, and develop subject-matter experts and retain technical talent to ensure continuity of automation knowledge and knowledge transfer from Singapore to global sites.
• Develop a talent development plan aligned with the department’s functional growth strategies.
• Manage resource and project planning, budgeting, expense priorities, and performance management, working through team managers to achieve results.
• Identify opportunities for and drive development and management of complex automated systems that address manufacturing or product inspection challenges.
• Advise stakeholders on current automation capabilities, including opportunities to reuse them in broader initiatives and develop new capabilities.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and promote collaboration, professionalism, and cooperation in delivering strategic automation programs within scope, timelines, and budget.
• Apply Agile methodology and work effectively with ambiguity.
• Execute a value-stream mindset and a culture of continuous improvement based on the Edwards Production System (EPS).

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Performance-based incentives.
• A wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director