engineer

principal software engineer

senior engineer

director

intern

Edwards Lifesciences

Working there for nearly five years gave me a meaningful window into how much a workplace can shape your emotional and psychological well‑being. There were periods when the environment felt supportive and inclusive, and other times when I noticed differences between teams that made me reflect on my own experience and expectations.

Over the years, I worked with several managers, each with their own approach. Some transitions were easier than others, and I recognize that leadership styles can vary widely. Still, there were moments when I struggled to feel fully guided or understood, and I sometimes wished for more collaborative ways to address areas where I needed support.

Finding a healthy work‑life balance was challenging for me, even with the company’s efforts to gather feedback through meetings and surveys. As responsibilities grew, I occasionally found myself taking on tasks outside my strengths, and the expectations could feel difficult to manage. Career progression sometimes required stepping into roles that didn’t align with what I felt most capable or passionate about, which made the path forward feel uncertain.

The company once felt like a very open and inclusive space, but over time I found it harder to express concerns without feeling out of step. I know every workplace evolves, and I may not have always communicated my own needs as clearly as I could have, but it became difficult to feel comfortable speaking up.

The stress of trying to keep up in a fast‑moving environment eventually affected my health, which was a sign for me to reassess what I needed. I truly believe that with continued learning and attention to employee well‑being, the workplace has the potential to be an even stronger environment for everyone.

For anyone considering joining, it’s helpful to know that the workload can be demanding and may require flexibility across different responsibilities. At the same time, I’m grateful for the early years, which were filled with growth and supportive colleagues. As time went on, certain dynamics made it harder for me to feel as confident, creative, or connected as I once did, but I also recognize that my experience is just one perspective.

I’m in a much better place now, and I appreciate the lessons I gained along the way.

I have tried resolving this amiably by emailing all personnel up the chain (including the CEO himself), but the lack of a response leaves me no choice but to make this post.

The campus itself is great, and most other people are a pleasure to work with.

However, the interim IT Manager has the charisma of a damp rag, "rules" with an iron fist, and is the textbook definition of Peter Principle: No sense of leadership, his orders are frequently contradictory, no well-defined direction or SOP, arrogant, and critical of others to the point of nitpicking and micromanaging, where it's a catch-22 of either getting told off for taking initiative or told off for asking him what your next step should be with NO commendation and even being told that I'm asked "irrelevant questions", so it feels like you are constantly walking on eggshells.

The work environment is dysfunctional, toxic, and even mildly hostile (with each meeting constantly threatening termination), and the fact that the IT Manager resigned and 2 got fired before my 2nd week in late July is a huge red flag.

For me, despite having 15 years of experience and going out of my way to resolve complex tasks (including a problem that sat for 2-3 months that nobody dared to touch was resolved by me in an afternoon), I was only assigned mundane entry-level tasks, which is an insult to my intelligence, overwhelmingly boring, and the fact that I was sent on what's best described as wild goose chases without the tools necessary was detrimental to my career and setting me up to fail.

To be honest, I rescinded my plans to move out of state in the hopes that I will be able to stay here and develop a career, especially as colleagues have stated that the chances of being a permanent employee is high, but I guess that moving is back on my plans. For all the above, my experiences weren't isolated; at least 2-3 other team members have voiced similar dissent... I've had other techs tell me that the IT department would be doomed if the same person is still a manager.

For anybody applying to the IT Department, although they're on a huge hiring spree, I'd say at minimum to wait a couple of months if you want to make a career out of working here, which I hope by then they find a more competent IT Manager.

Oh, the microbiology lab. Truly, the shining beacon of workplace excellence. It’s not just a lab; it’s a gathering spot for the most charming collection of miserable, narcissistic, and insecure individuals you could ever hope to meet. It’s like the universe carefully handpicked everyone with unresolved personal issues and dropped them into one room just to spice up your workday. Who needs therapy when you have coworkers projecting their chaos onto you?

The atmosphere? Impeccably dysfunctional. Gossip is practically a team-building activity, bullying is the official language, and deceit is the currency we trade in. I often have to take a moment to apologize to myself for willingly stepping into this vortex of toxicity. Bravo to me for that decision.

From the outside, this place might seem state-of-the-art, but don’t be fooled! It’s a museum of outdated practices wrapped in delusions of grandeur. The leaders have been here so long they think innovation is a myth, and anything outside these walls is clearly inferior. Why keep up with the times when you can stubbornly cling to the glory days?

And the senior supervisors? Oh, they’re a real treat. One in particular deserves an award for their masterclass in covert bullying. Watching them manipulate others into doing their job while they perfect their daily performance of “I’m so busy” is truly inspiring. If only we could all contribute so little and still act like the backbone of the operation.

The harassment, bullying, and outright hostility I’ve endured here is nothing short of spectacular. Honestly, I wouldn’t even wish this experience on my worst enemy. In fact, I’m tempted to write a book about my time here—part horror, part comedy, all nightmare—but for now, I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say, if you’re considering a job here, run.


As a coworker at Edwards, I witnessed troubling practices in the company’s handling of layoffs, promotions, and HR concerns. During a recent restructuring, a highly knowledgeable and dedicated employee was laid off, despite their significant contributions to the company. Meanwhile, less experienced and less effective employees were retained, with some even promoted.
It was disheartening to see senior employees who contributed little being kept on, while those who were more knowledgeable and worked diligently were let go. Some of these senior employees spent their work hours on personal activities like shopping online, discussing stocks, or talking about unrelated topics while remaining protected by upper management despite repeated reports of unprofessional behavior, including inappropriate comments.
HR seemed to avoid addressing employee concerns about favoritism and unprofessionalism. Whenever feedback was provided, it felt more like a confrontation than a constructive conversation, and issues were often ignored or dismissed.
Additionally, employees with limited experience—who primarily handle routine tasks—were promoted to staff-level positions, further adding to the frustration. It seemed promotions were based on office politics rather than merit or actual contributions.
Edwards was once a great place to work, but the lack of fairness, transparency, and support from HR has created an environment where favoritism outweighs hard work and dedication.

A typical day at work: It depends on what station you’re certified (trained) on. You will know where you’re working at based off the schedule posted on the board (Mines is a big board with name magnets.) You will usually stay at the same station the entire week. 
It’s required to know at least two stations at the clean room I’m in. 
I learned: How to put the medical device together, but in different stations. It’s a long process. 
The management: My supervisor was helpful when you needed him. But was strict about break times. The manager would wait by the door and watch us to make sure we were on time from break times. 
Workplace culture: Depending on what station you know, you’ll either be waiting for work-or the work keeps coming to you. It’s a very stressful and nerve wracking environment. I’m certified on 3 stations, that’s enough for me. The more stations you know, you still get paid the same. Unless you were hired with previous job experience or you’ve been there for years. You get a raise (a couple cents) every year. 
The hardest part: Having to deal with impatient coworkers. Not every worker is rude, but the majority of them were very impatient with me. Especially since everyone is stressing to hit the production goal every day.  Or being picky about how the station should be done. Especially the trainers, who need the most patience. 
The enjoyable part: Having 3 days off because it’s a 4/10 work shift. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday.) Once in a while there will be voluntary overtime on Friday. There’s also the one week off for the Christmas shut down. Medical and dental benefits are good too. You also get an annual bonus check based off of your work performance after being there for one year. 

You are given little training and the rest is a "learn as you go" process. This includes being told information that may contradict what you've been taught. You are not at liberty to edit documents and are sternly warned by your superiors if you do.

There is very little opportunity for advancement into permanent positions, especially proofreaders who seem to be a dime a dozen and are routinely discarded without notice. Contingent staff treated differently than permanent staff and are always excluded from events one would deem beneficial to all such as meetings with the CEO or charitable work. They can't even attend the annual holiday party without paying for tickets.

The "old guard" at Edwards seems set in their ways and it's doubtful anything will change. While a quiet place to work, high-school gossip is still to be expected.

Management is virtually non-existent or incompetent, and those in charge speak to proofreaders as if they are not capable of comprehending the instructions of even the most menial task ("Does that make sense?" with a sneer is often the last thing you will be told). Meetings are eventful -- everybody thinks their way is the best solution to the problem. The level of egoism within the department is beyond measure.

Workflow is very inconsistent. Some days there will be nothing then some weeks you have an abundance of overtime. Projects come and go and sometimes cancelled altogether (and the layoffs begin). Make friends early and exchange contact information when you can because you never know when you'll be the next to go.

I dedicated 5 years to this company and consistently worked hard to support the team. I contributed to investigations, helped improve teamwork, and took initiative beyond my routine responsibilities. Despite my contributions and experience, I never received a promotion or meaningful career growth opportunity.
What was especially frustrating was seeing employees promoted despite having limited technical knowledge or project involvement. For example, some technl. were promoted to Staff Technl. roles within four years, even though their responsibilities mainly involved routine testing with little to no project ownership, innovation, or leadership contributions. Promotions often appeared to be based more on favoritism and relationships with management than actual performance or technical ability.
There was also a lack of accountability among some senior staff members. Certain employees spent large portions of the day discussing unrelated topics, taking excessively long lunches with other team members or avoiding responsibilities without consequences. In contrast, hardworking employees were held to much stricter standards.
The company has experienced employees, but parts of the culture resist growth, new ideas, and constructive feedback. Employees who genuinely try to improve processes or contribute technically may feel overlooked and unappreciated.

I have a variety of responsibilities as a Sr. Financial Analyst in the Human Resources Dpt. at Edwards Lifesciences. I am responsible for developing, managing, and reporting on several different HR budgets as well as the US and Puerto Rico fringe benefits budgets. I also oversee many form 5500 filings annually. I assist with annual insurance renewals including pricing some of our self administered medical plans and doing various reporting and analysis on the claims experience for those plans. I prepare severance calculations as needed. I also do weekly audit and handle the funding for the US 401k employee accounts. Among my other duties is managing the company award program, and preparing analysis and reporting on our employees designated as "High Potential". I have several other responsibilties and I'm involved with a wide range of job tasks in my role. I've learned a great deal in managing the duties mentioned above and have developed a broad understanding of much of what a high functioning HR department can do.

Edwards has a hard working diverse professional culture that also encourages and supports a good work/ life balance. Edwards supports a healthy lifestyle and has a wellness program as well as a basketball court, sand volleyball court, and a new workout facility.

ing 4-years professional experience as a Chemist in KANSAI PAINT AND KCC PAINT.
Performs testing of drug products, maintained and calibration of analytical instruments prepares standard and sample solution and maintain appropriate records. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with organization policies, procedures and state federal and local laws. Prepare standard and sample solution are required by the test method.
Operates gernal analytical instruments during testing (HPLC, GC dissolution apparatus, analytical balance, viscometer, FTIR, pH meter, conductivity meter, UV/VIS).
Perform wet chemistry test(% Non-volatiles,pH, Viscometer)
Performs analysis on intermediate records and lab work as required by SOP’s.
Performs calibration of equipment’s(pH meter, conductivity meter, HPLC, Dissolution equipment’setc.).
Perform carry out analytical method of dissolution, distillation filtration and gravimeter to ensure a through analysis of samples.
Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of given sample to deduce the chemical composition, nature and reactive tendencies of given components.
Prepare all necessary solutions, reagents, chemical and calibration and confirm the standards.
Perform peer review of other chemist work.
Troubleshooting of analytical test methods and laboratory

Meaningful work in a mission-driven environment"
Pros:

Mission with impact: The best part about working at Edwards Lifesciences is the deep sense of purpose. Knowing that your work contributes to saving and improving lives is incredibly motivating.
Culture of innovation: There’s a strong focus on R&D and continuously improving patient outcomes. Engineers and product teams are encouraged to innovate.
Great campus: The headquarters in Irvine is beautiful—modern offices, fitness center, healthy cafe, and green spaces.
Good benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan), generous PTO, and solid healthcare coverage.
Global exposure: For certain roles, you get to collaborate across regions and functions.
Cons:

Work-life balance can vary: In some departments (especially in R&D and operations), there can be long hours and pressure to meet regulatory and launch deadlines.
Slow career progression: While Edwards invests in talent, promotions can take time and often require patience or navigating internal politics.
Limited remote flexibility: Post-COVID, they lean more toward in-office work, which may not suit everyone.
Advice to Management:

Continue investing in employee development and streamline internal mobility.
Be more open to hybrid/flexible models—especially for roles that don’t need to be on-site daily.


Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Engineer 6 salaries reported	$108,500 per year
Principal software engineer 11 salaries reported	$154,182 per year
Senior engineer 3 salaries reported	$141,000 per year
Director 3 salaries reported	$207,667 per year
Intern 5 salaries reported	$31.20 per hour

Working at Edwards Lifesciences: Company Overview and Reviews

Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences Ratings

Popular jobs at Edwards Lifesciences

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected