Senior Engineer, R&D

Edwards Lifesciences Gruppe; United States; On-site; USD 108,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences is seeking an experienced medical device engineer to apply Finite Element Analysis to design transcatheter heart valve systems. You will work with Clinical Development, R&D and manufacturing teams to develop FEA models, test methods, and boundary conditions for THV frames and delivery systems.

Preferred candidates have 6+ years of simulation experience with ANSYS/ABAQUS, exposure to Materialise or Simpleware, and a strong background in cardiovascular anatomy and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or Science with 3+ years (Master's) or 4+ years (Bachelor's) experience in medical device engineering.
• Experience applying FEA to design and validate heart-valve components.
• Familiarity with ISO/ASTM standards related to medical devices.

Responsibilities

• Apply FEA to THV frames, access and delivery system components.
• Develop boundary conditions and test methods for bench and simulation studies.
• Collaborate with Clinical Development, R&D and manufacturing teams to translate models into robust designs.
• Lead creation of virtual and bench models for devices and fixtures.
• Document results with clear technical reports and maintain knowledge of competitive technologies.

Skills

FEA

Test method development

Boundary conditions

CAD modeling

MATLAB

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Master's degree in Engineering or Science

PhD in Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Materialise

Simpleware

Job description

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. Aortic stenosis impacts millions of people globally, yet it often remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Edwards’ groundbreaking work in transcatheter aortic heart valve replacement (TAVR) pioneered an innovative, life-changing solution for patients by offering heart valve replacement without the need for open-heart surgery. Our Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) business unit continues to partner with cardiologists and clinical teams to transform patient care with devices supported by clinical evidence. It’s our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

How you will make an impact:

• This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced medical device engineer who will apply knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), test method development for THV frames, access and delivery systems (DS) using bench and simulation modalities as part of a team to design and develop heart valve systems in support of company’s strategic plan.
• Collaborate with Clinical Development group to develop Statistical Shape Models for patient anatomy for implant, access and DS.
• Collaborate with Clinical Development group and R&D group to develop boundary conditions.
• Lead effort to develop FEA models for components and systems for access and DS products.
• Support other FEA engineers in developing, modifying FEA for THV frames.
• Lead effort to develop virtual and bench models like sample holders, clinically accurate compliant aortic roots, vessels, CAD and manufacturing (machining, molding).
• Lead test method development for clinically accurate boundary conditions.
• Collaborate with other groups to test non-metal components: tissue, polymer, fabric.
• Challenge status quo to develop new test methods and/or procedures to increase speed of innovation and/or to reduce conservatism.
• Provide support to sustaining function as needed.
• Solve mechanical engineering problems at the component through system level.
• Maintain accurate documentation of results and generate technical reports.
• Maintain current knowledge of competitive technologies in addition to medical, technical, and biomedical developments related to company products and therapies.
• Interface with R&D, manufacturing, clinical development, clinical affairs, quality and regulatory personnel to ensure compliance with internal and external policies and procedures, QSR, and FDA regulations.
• Work closely with clinical development and/or physician partners in both a pre-clinical and clinical environment with strong knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular anatomy, structure of the heart, and valve diseases.

What you’ll need (Required): Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field, 4+ years’ experience - OR - Master's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field, 3+ years’ experience

What else we look for (Preferred):

• 2+ years of experience in the medical device industry
• 6+ years of experience in simulation using FEA with commercially available software
• A PhD in Engineering
• In-depth knowledge of virtual simulation tools like ANSYS, ABAQUS etc.
• Prior patient CT reconstruction experience using commercial software such as Materialise, Simpleware etc.
• Hands-on experience with bench fixture, model building.
• Understanding of ISO, ASTM and other relevant standards for system testing.
• Understanding of ASME V&V 40
• Strong understanding of statistical techniques for data analysis and experience with statistical and programming software such as MATLAB, Minitab etc. is preferred.
• Experience with non-linear materials like tissue, hyperelastic etc. is preferred.
• Cardiovascular experience preferred.
• Strong documentation skills; strong technical writing ability and good verbal communication skills.
• Effective communication, listening, and diagnostic skills are required.
• Prior experience with submissions to FDA and other regulatory bodies is helpful.
• The ability to work well independently and as a team member is essential.

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, the base pay range for this position is $108,000 to $153,000 (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.

Edwards Lifesciences is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. Through breakthrough technologies, world‑class evidence and partnerships with clinicians and healthcare stakeholders, our employees are inspired by our patient‑focused culture to deliver life‑changing innovations to those who need them most.