Director, Engineering, Automation

Edwards Lifesciences•Irvine, CA

2d•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 develop business cases and roadmaps, and partners with automation teams in Singapore and Ireland to support seamless global integration. The Director manages relationships across R&D, New Product Development, and global automation; leads development and troubleshooting of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems; and identifies opportunities for Design for Automation and Manufacturability. The role also oversees technical talent, resource and project planning, budgets, performance management, and complex automation systems. It provides stakeholders with insight into reusable automation capabilities, builds strong partnerships to deliver strategic programs against scope, timelines, and budget, and supports Agile working and continuous improvement through the Edwards Production System. The position requires on-site presence and travel of up to 25% domestically and internationally. The California base pay range is $159,000 to $226,000 for a highly experienced candidate. Final pay depends on qualifications, education, and prior experience. Applications are accepted while the position is posted on the Careers website.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a scientific discipline.
Experience developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing equipment and processes, including automated technologies where applicable.
Ability to work on site to effectively lead teams and collaborate cross-functionally.
Ability to 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 background and demonstrated success designing and implementing automation and process portfolios in a regulated-industry manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success influencing management strategic decisions to invest in new and proven technology platforms.
Extensive experience using Six Sigma tools to develop processes and improve existing processes to create manufacturing value.
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 and skilled engineering teams in a global environment.

Responsibilities

Manage key R&D, New Product Development, and global automation relationships to support 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; retain technical talent and support automation knowledge continuity and transfer from the Singapore site to global sites.
Develop a talent development plan aligned with departmental functional growth strategies.
Manage resource planning, project planning, budgeting, expense priorities, and performance management, working through team managers to achieve results.
Identify opportunities for and drive development and management of multiple, highly complex automated systems that address manufacturing or product inspection challenges.
Provide stakeholders insight into current automation capabilities and their potential reuse in broader initiatives while developing new capabilities.
Build stakeholder relationships and foster collaboration, professionalism, and cooperation in delivering strategic automation programs within scope, timelines, and budget.
Embrace Agile methodology and work efficiently amid ambiguity.
Execute the Edwards Production System value-stream mindset and culture of continuous improvement.