Polymers and Biomaterials Lab Manager

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 and critical care.

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.

This CoE is built on strong foundation of a unique culture that encompasses sense of common purpose and belonging where team members can collectively learn and grow.

How you will make an impact :

Our Polymers and Biomaterials Lab Manager position is a unique career opportunity that could be your next step towards an exciting future.

Innovation within Polymers and Textiles CoE is driven by highly talented team members with deep expertise in Polymers and Textiles and enabled by a dedicated laboratory with some of the latest equipment to conduct state of the art research and development.

• The Polymers and Biomaterials Lab Manager will be part of a fast-paced and innovative team working on solutions for next generation devices.
• The desired candidate will serve as a key Subject Matter Expert with hands-on experience and technical proficiency in supporting the widest range of polymer engineering activities such as equipment set-up, testing, synthesis, and prototyping.
• This position will have daily operations within the laboratory and indirectly oversee lab employees performing a variety of tasks in support of R&D and Engineering activities.
• Set-up, calibrate, and maintain specialized polymer / materials related R&D equipment used for characterization and / or development of R&D prototypes
• Ensure effective operation of all laboratory equipment and serve as point of contact for instrument installations, preventative maintenance and repairs, calibration, upgrades, and efficient utilization for the Polymers & Textiles CoE
• Operate lab scale machines to generate engineering prototypes
• Directly or indirectly supervise employees and activities utilizing technical knowledge of multiple areas
• Support engineering activities such as building prototypes, sub-assemblies, and prepare feasibility test units, samples, and / or chemical solutions under the guidance of engineers.

Perform work using drawings, diagrams, written and verbal instructions, layouts or defined plans to perform testing, checkout, and trouble-shooting functions

• Maintain an adequate inventory of research lab materials, laboratory equipment spare parts, instrumentation, and daily consumable supply
• Serve as Polymer laboratory representative for Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Act as a liaison between departments, vendors and the Engineering / Scientific staff to complete lab modifications and ensure safety compliance by performing safety audits with EH&S and participate in Environmental Site Assessments (ESA's).

Implement safety protocols and ensure compliance to those by all lab users for safe use of all lab resources.

• Provide oversight for the ordering, logging, storing of chemicals / equipment, and maintenance of the chemical inventory
• Lead training to new and existing engineering and scientific staff in the use and function of designated instrumentation as applicable to the role by creating user protocols for functional use.

Ensure appropriate assignment of technical staff in the team to meet operational objectives and support cross-training as needed to meet those objectives

• Participate in skill development training for related technologies associated with polymer and allied fields as well as for following system and procedures required to perform critical functions in this role
• Organize and participate in vendor negotiations, product and software evaluations, tutorials, and facility modifications.

Lead and coordinate development of tracking procedures, establishment and maintenance of service contracts and warranties with vendors.

Execute move / add / change request forms, submit purchase orders and provide inputs into capital approval requests for equipment

Support cross functional teams with proposals for lab resources, prototyping and lab tours using effective collaboration and communication methods

What you'll need (Required) :

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or related life sciences field with in-depth technical knowledge and experience in assigned work area required

What else we look for (Preferred) :

• At least 8 years of previous related experience with indirect or direct supervision of laboratory personnel including day to day oversight, training, safety, and coaching preferred
• Substantial experience in polymer / materials laboratory environment including hands-on experience in equipment setup, maintenance, and routine use;

examples include GPC, TGA, DSC, FTIR, film preparation, micro-molding, etc.

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred
• Experience leading and fostering development within multi-cultural teams
• Experience working in a medical device industry preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills
• Exhibits strict attention to details, problem solving methodology, root cause analysis, and GDP (Good Documentation Practices)
• Strong knowledge of polymer characterization and polymer processing equipment in a research lab and industrial production environment
• Ability to use all manufacturing, test, development or diagnostic equipment and / or perform complex troubleshooting within the polymer laboratory
• Ability to draft technical documents (i.e. Operating, manufacturing and testing procedures, protocols, reports)
• Must be able to work in and lead inter-departmental teams to ensure appropriate exchange of information
• Understanding of Quality Systems and requirements for completing projects within a controlled, cleanroom environment
• Ability to represent organization to external parties including vendors and convey technical input and recommendations effectively to influence outcome
• Ability to provide feedback in a professional, direct, and tactful manner, including mentoring junior employees
• Able to work in a fast paced environment with ambiguous targets and adapt work plans based on new outcomes

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

This role offers potential for growth and professional advancement for the right candidate. It’s a great opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact in the field of medical devices.

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 $115,000 to $163,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience).

Applications will accept while this position is posted on our Career 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.