
Senior Technician, R&D
Edwards Lifesciences
Summary
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. 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.
Job description
Our Advanced Innovation & Technology (AI&T) Metals Center of Excellence harnesses the imagination, courage, and resourcefulness to think beyond what's currently possible and create solutions for patients many years into the future. If you're an innovator who enjoys building, testing, and solving technical challenges, Edwards AI&T is the place to take the next step in your career. We provide the tools, resources, and collaborative environment needed to develop technologies that help shape the future of structural heart innovation.
How You'll Make an Impact
- Build, modify, and troubleshoot metallic prototypes, sub-assemblies, feasibility test units, samples, and fixtures in support of new product development activities.
- Support engineers in prototype development, testing, fabrication, assembly, and evaluation activities with minimal supervision.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of laboratory and prototype fabrication equipment, including machine shop and metalworking tools.
- Perform operational testing, collect data, document results, and communicate observations to engineering teams.
- Assist with the development and refinement of prototype manufacturing processes and laboratory procedures.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and assembly documentation.
- Support the design, fabrication, and modification of tooling, fixtures, and prototype components.
- Help identify technical issues and contribute to practical solutions that improve prototype quality, manufacturability, and development efficiency.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials to support ongoing development programs.
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and cross-functional teams to support project objectives and timelines.
- Ensure compliance with Edwards quality systems, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and Environmental Health & Safety requirements.
What You'll Need (Required)
- Associate's Degree or equivalent in or technical degree/certificate and 2+ years experience in an R&D Lab and/or medical device experience - OR -
- 4+ years experience in an R&D Lab and/or medical device experience
What Else We Look For (Preferred)
- Experience building and troubleshooting prototypes, assemblies, or test fixtures.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
- Experience operating laboratory, fabrication, manufacturing, or development equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment with minimal supervision.
- Working knowledge of CAD or drafting software such as SolidWorks.
- Experience operating CNC equipment, lasers, or other prototype fabrication equipment.
- Metalworking experience with machining, forming, joining, or finishing metallic components.
- Knowledge of material compatibility and manufacturing considerations for medical device applications.
- Understanding of root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to design or modify simple tools and fixtures to support prototype development activities.
- Knowledge of Edwards Environmental Health & Safety and Quality System requirements.
- Ability to provide technical input and feedback in a professional and collaborative manner.
Requirements
- Associate's Degree or equivalent in or technical degree/certificate and 2+ years experience in an R&D Lab and/or medical device experience - OR -
- 4+ years experience in an R&D Lab and/or medical device experience
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Performance-based incentives
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the company specializes in developing breakthrough technologies for cardiovascular diseases. As a pioneer in the medical device industry, Edwards focuses on transcatheter heart valves, surgical heart valves, hemodynamic monitoring systems, and vascular solutions. The company's patient-focused culture inspires its 16,000+ employees worldwide to deliver life-changing innovations that address complex heart health challenges. Edwards serves patients in over 100 countries through its comprehensive portfolio of products including the SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve system, INSPIRIS surgical valves, and advanced monitoring technologies. With a commitment to research and development, the company invests 17-18% of its revenue back into R&D efforts, maintaining its position at the forefront of structural heart innovation. Edwards Lifesciences has impacted over one million patients globally through its transformative medical technologies.