Principal Engineer, R&D

Edwards Lifesciences • Irvine, CA

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About The Position

The Principal Engineer will work with the Design and Simulation Team within the Surgical Structural Heart R&D group to advance design capabilities and improve current and emerging technologies and therapies for cardiac surgery. The role applies engineering principles, design tools, and predictive engineering methods to improve and optimize tests, support device design and performance, and translate findings into innovative products. It includes analyzing experimental data, creating and validating computational models, presenting results to stakeholders, and producing internal reports and technical summaries. The engineer will address complex design problems and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives. Domestic and international travel of up to 5% may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or scientific field and 6 years of experience, including industry or industry/education experience; or a master's degree or equivalent in an engineering or scientific field and 5 or more years of experience; or a Ph.D. or equivalent in an engineering or scientific field and 2 or more years of experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in nonlinear mechanics, plasticity, and advanced computational modeling techniques such as FEA.
• Understanding of general engineering design principles and working knowledge of design of experiments (DOE) and other engineering workflows.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and interpersonal relationship skills, including discretion and judgment in decision-making.
• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strict attention to detail.
• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing environments within the medical device industry, including FDA/TUV guidelines and quality system regulations.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.
• Ability to comply with company rules and requirements, including Environmental Health & Safety rules.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in materials science or mechanical engineering.
• 2 or more years of experience in engineering design.
• 2 or more years of experience in structural, mechanical, or fatigue analysis.
• Familiarity with the mechanics of soft tissues.
• Experience with scripting environments such as Python and MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Lead the improvement, design, and optimization of complex tests; analyze results, provide recommendations, and develop engineering reports.
• Support project teams in optimizing device design and performance using design tools and predictive engineering methods such as CAD, FEA, and optimization.
• Analyze and evaluate experimental data to create and validate computational models.
• Present analysis results to stakeholders and contribute to internal reports and technical summaries.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues and complex problems in the design of parts, components, and subsystems.
• Collaborate with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain in a cross-functional team environment to meet project objectives.
• Participate in and present at meetings with internal and external representatives.
• Develop peer, cross-functional, and cross-business relationships to share best practices and improve team effectiveness.
• Work independently, manage competing priorities, and escalate issues to appropriate levels of management.
• Follow company rules and requirements, including Environmental Health & Safety rules, and take appropriate measures to prevent injuries and pollution.

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: Principal