Sr. Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

Dandy is transforming the massive and antiquated dental industry, and they are seeking a Senior Manager of Advanced Manufacturing & Automation for their Removables product line. This role involves leading a hands-on team to develop and scale next-generation dental manufacturing systems, focusing on automation and process development to improve manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities:

• Own execution of the automation + manufacturing roadmap (hands-on)
• Drive a portfolio of programs that improve Removables manufacturing performance (OEE, yield, scrap, cycle time, labor efficiency).Convert high-level business goals into clear technical requirements, project plans, and executable milestones.Identify automation opportunities and lead feasibility, ROI justification, and implementation planning (capex + operating impact)
• Lead cross-functional programs from concept to production
• Serve as day-to-day program lead interfacing with Operations, Quality, Product, and Engineering to deliver manufacturing capability.Run project governance: schedules, risks, tradeoffs, change control, validation plans, and launch readiness.Coordinate internal teams and integration vendors for equipment development, controls/software integration, and production deployment
• Metal additive manufacturing process development (CoCr + post-processing)
• Lead industrialization and continuous improvement of metal AM workflows (e.g., SLM/DMLS) used for Removables components.Own end-to-end process capability: build prep, parameter windows, orientation/support strategy, powder handling, de-powdering, heat treatment, separation, finishing, inspection, and downstream fit/function.Define and implement robust process controls, traceability, and quality criteria for critical-to-quality features.Partner with Quality/Regulatory to ensure validation approach fits a precision/regulated manufacturing environment
• Equipment lifecycle + vendor leadership (FAT/SAT, validation, reliability)
• Lead equipment selection and vendor execution: URS/FRS, design reviews, acceptance criteria, and contract deliverables.Personally drive FAT/SAT protocols, production qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ-style where applicable), and ramp plans.Improve equipment uptime and reliability through structured problem solving (root cause, corrective actions, spares strategy, PM optimization)
• Data-driven manufacturing + systems integration
• Drive adoption of data visibility and controls (MES/SCADA integration, historian/data pipelines, alarms, dashboards).Implement practical Industry 4.0 concepts where they provide tangible benefit (traceability, predictive maintenance signals, automated quality gates)
• People leadership (direct reports)
• Manage and develop a team of manufacturing/automation engineers and/or program leads (hiring, coaching, performance management).Establish working norms that balance speed with rigor: documentation, validation discipline, change control, and operational readiness.Build strong partnerships with Operations supervisors and site leadership to ensure adoption and sustained performance

Requirements:

• 8–12+ years in manufacturing engineering / automation / industrialization, including 2+ years leading people (direct reports)
• Demonstrated success delivering automation or equipment/process programs from concept through high-volume production
• Practical experience with metal additive manufacturing (SLM/DMLS preferred) and associated post-processing and quality controls; dental or medical device experience is a plus
• Strong fundamentals in: Process development & validation mindset (capability, GR&R, control plans, PFMEA)
• Equipment integration (mechanical, electrical, controls, sensors, safety)
• Vendor management (specs, design reviews, acceptance testing, deliverables)
• Comfort working in precision manufacturing environments (dental/medical/optical/semiconductor) with tight tolerances and high quality expectations
• Experience with one or more of: CNC machining, ceramics, thermoforming, injection molding, 3D printing polymers, spray/dispense, inkjet, vision inspection, precision assembly
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering (Master's a plus)