Irvine, California, United States of America
1 day ago
Distinguished Engineer, Materials Characterization

This Distinguished Engineer role will perform materials characterization and failure analysis of polymer-based components and device assemblies in support of Edwards’ structural heart disease therapies.   The Distinguished Engineer will be a member of the Worldwide Engineering Reliability and Failure Analysis organization and work in close collaboration with our Polymers and Textiles Center of Excellence to investigate material properties in support of manufacturing process characterization and root cause analysis.  This role will be responsible to plan, perform and direct analytical testing of chemical, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of materials to solve complex problems, and report actionable findings, conclusions and recommendations to our business unit partners.

This role will leverage demonstrated technical expertise in polymer chemistry, hands-on analytical laboratory experience and knowledge of polymer manufacturing technology.  The position also requires development of strong cross-functional partnerships across Business Units (BUs) and Global Supply Chain stakeholders to drive results in a fast-paced, regulated environment.  This role may also be required to direct and coach laboratory engineers and technologists as demand and capability grow. Demonstrated success in a medical device industry is highly preferred.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Plan and direct complex investigations to determine root cause of failures in polymer-based components

• Design and execute DOEs to characterize and understand complex materials, process and device behaviors and interactions to inform product design and process improvement

• Apply statistical methods to analyze test data and extract meaningful results

• Perform hands on, laboratory materials characterization testing

• Report actionable results, conclusions and recommendations to leadership and business unit stakeholders

• Provide technical subject matter expertise and guidance to leadership and stakeholders in materials selection, process and component design

• Work in close alignment with the Polymers and Textiles Center of Excellence to manage operating and capital budgets to support operational objectives

• Maintain documentation and traceability of equipment, investigation hardware and data in accordance with Regulatory Compliance requirements

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What You’ll Need (Required):

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field and a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, including either industry or industry/education OR

• Master's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field and a minimum of 11 of relevant experience, including either industry or industry/education OR

• Ph.D. in Engineering or Scientific field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, including either industry or industry/education

What Else We Look For (Preferred):

• Advanced degree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science or related field of study

• Deep understanding of polymer structures and properties with working knowledge of polymer processing and manufacturing technology

• Demonstrated proficiency to perform materials test and characterization with techniques such as GPC, TGA, DSC, FTIR, SEM, EDX and tensile testing

• Demonstrated experience in forensic failure analysis and Reliability Engineering

• Proven problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills

• Ability to manage and maintain laboratory systems and documentation

• Proficiency in statistical data analysis

• High motivation to self-start and achieve results in a fast-paced business environment

• Relevant experience in a medical device industry

• Strong project management skills

• Ability to explain complex concepts and strategies in understandable terms across the organization

• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels

For California, the base pay range for this position is $156,000 to $221,000 (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.

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