Sr Technologist, R&D

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

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences’ Advanced Innovation & Technology team seeks an experienced materials testing expert within the Metals Center of Excellence. You will support materials testing, characterization, and method development to inform product development and quality decisions.

You will operate a broad array of equipment, document results, and contribute to process improvements while collaborating with R&D and cross-functional teams to drive innovations in structural heart technology.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent technical degree or certificate and 8 years of related experience, including previous experience in an R&D laboratory and/or the medical device industry - OR - 10 years of related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory equipment and the ability to perform complex troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Experience with statistical techniques, test methods, equipment validation, GDP compliance.
• Ability to lead interdepartmental teams and coordinate with vendors.
• Strong communication & documentation skills, CAD/drafting familiarity when applicable.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain a wide range of materials testing equipment.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to guide product development decisions.
• Develop and validate test methods; support equipment qualification activities.
• Identify improvements to methods, fixtures, and processes; support ECRs.
• Provide training and mentoring to junior staff and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent technical degree

8+ years R&D lab experience

10+ years related experience

Strong troubleshooting & analysis

Tools

ECR software

Calibration/measurement tools

Job description

Innovation starts from the heart. Our Advanced Innovation & Technology (AI&T) teams harness 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 early-stage innovator, then Edwards AI&T team is the place for you to take the next steps in your career. We’ll give you the tools and resources you need to create groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of structural heart technology. In this role within the Metals Center of Excellence, you will apply advanced expertise in materials testing and characterization to support business units across Edwards. In close partnership with R&D, Quality, and other cross-functional teams, you will generate reliable data, interpret complex results, and provide technical insights that guide product development, quality decisions, and materials innovation.

How you’ll make an impact:

Serve as a subject matter expert supporting materials testing, materials characterization, test method development, instrument qualification and validation, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting. Set up, operate a wide range of materials testing and characterization equipment, including tensile and fatigue testers, corrosion equipment, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopes, and scanning electron microscopes, as well as associated chemicals. Perform testing and accurately collect, document, analyze, and interpret test data. Develop and validate test methods and support equipment qualification activities. Use drawings, diagrams, layouts, defined plans, and written or verbal instructions to perform complex testing, checkout, and troubleshooting activities. Perform operational tests, identify failure modes, and propose and implement technical solutions for systems and equipment. Maintain laboratory equipment through preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting, and partner with equipment vendors as needed. Identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions that optimize test methods, procedures, fixtures, and equipment. Train, coach, and guide lower-level employees on new procedures, assess work techniques, and provide feedback to engineers. Design and build simple fixtures using sketches, CAD, or similar tools, and create or modify drawings and procedures for fixtures, equipment, products, or processes. Initiate Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and support associated technical documentation.

What you’ll need (Required):

Associate’s degree or equivalent technical degree or certificate and 8 years of related experience, including previous experience in an R&D laboratory and/or the medical device industry - OR - 10 years of related experience.

What else we look for (Preferred):

• Extensive knowledge of laboratory equipment and the ability to perform complex troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Experience with statistical techniques, test methods, equipment validation, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Ability to work in and may lead interdepartmental teams, exchange technical information across functions, and represent Edwards with equipment vendors and other outside contacts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey technical opinions and recommendations and influence outcomes.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with CAD or drafting software when applicable.
• Ability to identify relevant issues in complex situations, apply standard procedures, and propose practical technical solutions.
• Ability to use a wide range of manufacturing, test, development, diagnostic, and measurement equipment and to read and understand procedures, drawings, and schematics.
• Experience drafting technical documents, including manufacturing and testing procedures, and knowledge of ECR software systems.
• Strict attention to detail and the ability to provide professional, direct, and tactful feedback while guiding lower-level employees.
• Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines related to laboratory and/or clean room medical device manufacturing, including taking appropriate measures to prevent injury, protect the environment, and prevent pollution within the scope of the role.

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 $70,000 to $99,000 (highly experienced). The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience).

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.