Innovation starts from the heart. Edwards Lifesciences is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. With millions of patients served in over 100 countries, each team makes a meaningful contribution by improving patient outcomes and discovering lasting solutions for unmet patient needs. Our Principal Quality Engineer position is a unique career opportunity that could be your next step towards an exciting future.
Applies knowledge of quality engineering principles and methods to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Edwards' systems/procedures to optimize product development, internal and external device manufacturing, and device distribution.
How You'll Make an Impact:
Lead identification, development, and optimization of complex Manufacturing processes using engineering methods (e.g., Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing tools) for design for manufacturing and continuous process improvement initiatives.
Identify opportunities & implement solutions for re-design/design of complex equipment, new technologies (including automation and software), tools, fixtures, etc. to improve manufacturing processes and reduce overall process/product risk profile.
Drive the development and manage the execution of complex experiments and tests (including writing and executing protocols) to create, validate, and improve products (including evaluation of source materials and suppliers) and establish robust manufacturing processes/methods based on engineering principles; ensure completion of comprehensive process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ), including analyzing results and developing reports; collaborate with cross-functional team members to facilitate project success and on-time completion
Develop training and documentation materials for production (e.g., work instructions) to enable the seamless knowledge transfer of project and manufacturing processes
Develop technical content of risk management files
Lead in the investigation of complex manufacturing product quality and compliance issues (e.g., SCAR, CAPA, non-conformances, audit observations) for all supplier production processes and based on engineering principles; analyze results, make recommendations and develop reports
Train, coach, and guide lower level employees on more complex procedures
Oversee Quality support tasks; gives instruction to engineers/technicians on conducting tests; trains engineers/ technicians and provides feedback; and may coordinate engineers/ technician work.
Other incidental duties
What You'll Need (Required):
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Scientific field with 6 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 5 years of experience in industry or education.
Manufacturing experience
What Else We Look For (Preferred):
Extrusion Experience
Balloon Development Experience
Proven expertise in usage of MS Office Suite
Ability to read and interpret drawings
Proven expertise in statistical techniques
Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills
Ability to translate technical information to all levels of the organizations
Extensive knowledge and understanding and knowledge of principles, theories, and concepts relevant to Quality Engineering (e.g., CQE body of knowledge)
Knowledge of Six Sigma concepts with ability to apply to work product
Knowledge of Quality Engineering concepts with ability to apply to work product
Advanced problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills
Extensive understanding of processes and equipment used in assigned work
Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change
Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines as they relate to department clean room medical device manufacturing
Strict attention to detail
Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment
Work is performed independently while exercising considerable latitude in making significant decisions
Set policies and standards that are followed by others
Guides others in resolving basic issues in specialized area based on existing solutions and procedures
Must be able to work in a team environment, including frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts
Represents organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects
Develops technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of creativity
Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products/services or processes
Typically resolves complex problems or problems where precedent may not exist
Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control
Experience with automation, software testing, and software validation is strongly preferred
Travel Requirements:
% not specified, but travel has occurred in the past on an as-needed basis for project continuity
Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
COVID Vaccination Requirement
Edwards is committed to protecting our vulnerable patients and the healthcare providers who are treating them. As such, all patient-facing and in-hospital positions require COVID-19 vaccination. If hired into a covered role, as a condition of employment, you will be required to submit proof that you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you request and are granted a medical or religious accommodation for exemption from the vaccination requirement. This vaccination requirement does not apply in locations where it is prohibited by law to impose vaccination.