Sr. Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

Dandy is transforming the massive and antiquated dental industry—an industry worth over $200B. Backed by some of the world’s leading venture capital firms, we’re on an ambitious mission to simplify and modernize every function of the dental practice through technology. As we expand our reach globally, Dandy is building the operating system for dental offices around the world—empowering clinicians and their teams with technology, innovation, and world-class support to achieve more for their practices, their people, and their patients.

OVERVIEW

As a Senior Manager of Advanced Manufacturing & Automation for Dandy’s Removables product line, you will lead a hands-on team responsible for developing, industrializing, and scaling next-generation dental manufacturing systems. You’ll own key automation and process development programs end-to-end—partnering closely with Product, Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver improvements in safety, quality, throughput, yield, and cost.

This role is ideal for a technically strong manufacturing leader who enjoys being close to the work: translating requirements into equipment and process solutions, driving vendor execution, and ensuring new capabilities launch reliably into production—especially in metal additive manufacturing workflows supporting removable partial denture components (e.g., CoCr frameworks).

Travel: Up to 30% during peak project phases (vendor FAT/SAT, line launches, supplier development).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

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.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 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).

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING AT DANDY

• Drive innovation at the frontier of digital dentistry and advanced manufacturing.

• Collaborate with an elite team of engineers, scientists, and operators passionate about redefining dental production.

• Shape the strategy and systems that will power Dandy’s global manufacturing network for years to come.

• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits in a rapidly growing company redefining an industry.

Req ID: J-1013

For full-time positions, Dandy offers a wide range of best-in-class, comprehensive, and inclusive benefits tailored to each country where we operate. Our local benefits packages typically include healthcare, dental, mental health support, parental planning resources, retirement savings options, and generous paid time off—ensuring our team members are supported no matter where they live and work.

Dandy is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture that celebrates authenticity to win as one. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Dandy also fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are dedicated to embracing challenges and creating an accessible, inclusive workplace for all individuals. If you require any accommodations for your interview or have any questions beforehand, rest assured that we will do everything we can to meet your needs. Visit Dandy Careers https://www.meetdandy.com/careers/ for more!

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