Director, Polymers Center of Excellence

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.

How you will make an impact:

We are looking for a strong leader with a history of break-through innovations in polymeric biomaterials used for medical devices application.  The leader must be passionate about solving customer and patient unmet needs with a demonstrated focus on staff development, motivation, and coaching. 

• Plan and direct project activities dedicated to solving the complex challenges of structural heart diseases with large scale or significant business impact. Maintain accountability for successful completion of all project deliverables to the businesses and develop project plans, schedule, and scope. Lead in identifying risk, developing mitigation strategies, alternative solutions, resolving issues, etc. in collaboration with cross functional groups

• Manage supervisors, managers, and/or experienced professionals and/or oversee the work of the Polymers Center of Excellence (CoE) and have some budgetary responsibilities. Develop a robust talent development plan in alignment with functional growth strategies of the department

• Lead cross-functional and/or departmental groups to develop and provide polymers, coatings, biomaterials, and/or design recommendations that integrate into complex component(s) or product(s)

• Lead efforts to optimize CoE related processes and systems by assessing business needs and developing, proposing and implementing technology solution options

• Lead by example, ~50% of time will require hands-on work in the lab alongside various technical staff

What you'll need (Required):

• Bachelor's Degree in related field related experience in engineering and skill levels exceeding the requirements of the previous level

• Demonstrated track record in management of technical and/or engineering disciplines

• Expert understanding of scientific principles while identifying applications of functional knowledge and existing methodologies to complex problems within polymers, coatings, and biomaterials.

• Deep polymer science technical expertise in more than one area of coatings, polymer processing, polymer characterization and structure property relationships, surface modification, and material selection.

• Knowledge and experience of using Polymer Structure-Property Relationship for problem solving

• Experience in converting polymers and/or coatings from ideas to bench top prototypes to commercial applications

What else we look for (Preferred):

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Biomaterials strongly preferred

• Experience working in a regulated industry

• Proven successful project management leadership skills

• Proven expertise in both Microsoft Office Suite and related systems

• Willingness to utilize, develop, and challenge AI related solutions and systems

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills including high discretion/judgment in decision making

• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills with ability to drive achievement of objectives

• Financial acumen as it relates to building and maintaining an R&D budget

• Demonstrated ability to manage one or more teams and provide coaching and feedback, including responsibility for all employee actions including hire/fire authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations

• Provide leadership, direction, and influence to cross-functional partners, business units, and may engage with and influence senior management

• Ability to develop and integrate metrics into the projects and operations that clearly demonstrate the value of the CoE to the business

• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels and proactively escalate issues to appropriate levels of management in the organization

• Ability to work and excel within a fast paced, dynamic, and constantly changing work environment

• Frequently interacts with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives concerning projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and/or contractual clarifications

• Lead briefings and technical meetings for internal and external representatives

• Develop peer, cross functional and cross business relationships to maximize best practice sharing and team effectiveness.

• Support and solicit input from team members at all levels

• Action-oriented, results driven self-starter unafraid of learning fast

• 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 $159,000 to $226,000 (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.