Principal Mechanical Engineer, R&D

Edwards Lifesciences · USA - California – Irvine

Workday Posted Jun 8, 2026 First seen Jun 8, 2026

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.

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.

How you will make an impact:

  • Lead the design, improvement and optimization of medical devices that creates innovative products

  • Develop experiments, tests, analyze results, provide recommendations, and author reports, based on engineering principles

  • Oversee R&D support tasks; give instruction to technicians/engineers on conducting tests; train technicians/engineers and provide feedback; and coordinate technician/engineer work.

  • Proactively identify issues, achieve resolution, and resolve problems of significant complexity on designing parts, components and subsystems

  • Generate work instructions, test methods, engineering models and drawings/prototypes, etc., to establish/characterize product and/or process specifications

  • Create/update design control documents including requirement specs, and risk documents with robust knowledge on design control requirements

  • Develop project plans to assess technology and drive project results

  • Train, coach, and guide junior employees

  • Other incidental duties

What you'll need (Required):

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 6 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 5 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR-  Ph.D. or equivalent in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 2 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education

What else we look for (Preferred):

  • Mechanical Engineering degree strongly preferred

  • Medical device development experience

  • Development of catheters and/or implant delivery systems; injection molded parts; home use medical devices

  • Proficiency in the usage of relevant computer software

  • Excellent documentation and communication skills

  • Excellent interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills

  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, and concepts relevant to Mechanical Engineering

  • Advanced problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills

  • Extensive understanding of processes and equipment used in assigned work

  • Ability to influence others

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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). 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.

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.