Senior Technician, R&D

Edwards Lifesciences Gruppe; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences Irvine is seeking an R&D Engineer to build and refine metallic prototypes and fixtures for new product development. You will support testing, fabrication, and evaluation with minimal supervision, while maintaining documentation and data integrity.

The role requires hands-on mechanical skills, reading engineering drawings, and experience with lab equipment. A technical degree and CAD familiarity help you succeed in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certificate with 2+ years in an R&D lab or medical device setting, or 4+ years in similar labs.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Experience operating lab, fabrication, or prototype equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, troubleshoot metallic prototypes, sub-assemblies, and test fixtures for new product development.
• Support prototype development, testing, fabrication, assembly, and evaluation with minimal supervision.
• Operate and maintain lab and fabrication equipment; collect data and report results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives and timelines.

Skills

Prototype development

Machining

Technical documentation

Education

Associate's degree

Technical certificate

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC equipment

Lasers

Machining

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.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 ImpactBuild, 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 experienceWhat 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.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 $70,000 to $99,000 (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.