Principal Engineer, Supplier Development

Edwards Lifesciences; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, CA seeks a Principal Engineer for the Implantable Heart Failure Management program. You will lead supplier validation, drive design for manufacturability, and ensure performance, cost, and quality targets.

Collaborate with R&D, Program Management, Manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver compliant, timely development in a regulated environment, including ISO 13485 and QSR practices, and advance interventional catheter delivery systems for implantable devices.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree in engineering or scientific field with 6 years in regulated new product development, process development, commercialization, or operations engineering.
• Travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
• On-site work required.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical validation of suppliers, from component design to process validation and capability analysis.
• Build partnerships with R&D, PM, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality and suppliers to ensure compliant project execution.
• Influence design iterations for IHFM systems and components and contribute to next-generation development.
• Lead cross-functional teams and external suppliers in design, development, and testing of complex interventional catheter delivery systems.
• Oversee timelines for feasibility studies, design verification testing, clinical evaluations, and supplier validation for commercial release.

Skills

Supplier management

DFM

GD&T

Six Sigma

Project management

Medical device development

Interventional catheter development

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Master’s degree in engineering and/or MBA

Job description

Many structural heart patients suffer from heart failure with limited options. Our Implantable Heart Failure Management (IHFM) team is at the forefront of addressing these unmet patient needs through pioneering technology that enables early, targeted therapeutic intervention. Our innovative solutions are not just transforming patient care but also creating a unique and exciting environment for our team members. It’s our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

The Principal Engineer will serve as a key technical subject matter expert, partnering closely with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure product designs meet user needs - including ease of use, manufacturability, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency. In addition to deep technical leadership, this role requires strong project management capabilities and a thorough understanding of Design Control to drive effective, compliant, and timely project execution.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Supplier Validation and Product Development Process: Lead the end-to-end technical validation of suppliers during product development, from component design and GD&T reviews to process characterization, capability analysis, and strategic process validation, ensuring robust DFM/DFA integration and quality compliance across all development stages.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with R&D, Program Management, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and key suppliers to ensure seamless project execution and compliance with internal procedures, QSR, FDA regulations, ISO 13485 standards, and risk management best practices.
• Support and contribute to product development efforts by influencing the design and iteration of next‑generation systems and components for IHFM.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and external suppliers in the design, development, and testing of complex interventional catheter delivery systems for implantable devices.
• Oversee and drive timelines for feasibility studies, design verification testing, clinical evaluations, and supplier validation activities required for commercial release.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What you\'ll need (Required):

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or scientific, with 6 years of experience in new product development, process development, commercialization, and/or operations engineering in a highly regulated environment.
• Travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
• On-site work required.

What else we look for (Preferred):

• Master’s degree in engineering and/or MBA.
• Certification or formal training in Lean Six Sigma.
• Strong background in sensor based medical device development, with hands-on experience in design optimization and advancing innovative technologies from concept through commercialization.
• Hands-on experience with electronic manufacturing processes.
• Experience working within ISO 1348 -compliant quality systems and applying risk management principles throughout product development and commercialization.
• Background in at least two of the following areas: interventional access devices, rapid product development, component-level manufacturing, or complex assembly design.
• Demonstrated capability to apply sound engineering judgment and technical expertise to solve complex problems; working knowledge of DFM, GD&T, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage and collaborate with external vendors to meet quality, timeline, and technical requirements.
• Strong experience in rapid product development within cross‑functional teams, including creative design iteration, prototyping, and test method development (e.g., in‑vitro testing).

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For California (CA), the base pay range for this position is $121,000 to $171,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience).