Director, Manufacturing Engineering

The role

The Director, Manufacturing Engineering will lead the engineering of the manufacturing system, including process engineering, equipment, and NPI. This leader will build technical capabilities to improve process capability, yield, throughput, reliability, and cost.

What you will do

• Develop and execute the manufacturing technology and process roadmap.
• Identify and remove technical constraints to capacity using automation and engineering solutions.
• Apply Lean, DOE, and statistical methods to improve process capability, yield, and throughput.
• Establish manufacturing processes, specifications, control plans, and technical work standards.
• Drive automation, tooling, and equipment including robotics, vision, and fixturing.
• Make make/buy/partner decisions on automation and equipment investment.
• Own the manufacturing side of NPI and design transfer.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to develop manufacturing plans, schedules, and objectives.
• Build and develop a Manufacturing Engineering organization.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and equipment comply with safety, environmental, and ISO standards.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in a complex manufacturing environment
• 5+ years in a direct leadership/people-management role
• Ability to direct departmental strategies, manage resources, and lead complex engineering, CAPEX, and NPI initiatives
• Background in engineering, tooling, modeling, and design reviews
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, cycle-time optimization, yield improvement, and establishing standardized workflows and process controls
• Technical mastery in root-cause failure analysis, defect reduction, pFMEA, and ensuring compliance with OSHA, ISO, and industry regulatory standards

Nice to have

• Master's degree
• MBA

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO for exempt employees
• Accrued PTO for non-exempt employees, up to 15 days
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 3 paid volunteer days
• Generous premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid parental leave
• Fringe lifestyle benefit
• Snacks and coffee in office

About the company

LightForce is leading the digital transformation of orthodontics with a fully digital, 3D-printed orthodontic platform. The company delivers customized, patient-specific brackets paired with AI-driven treatment planning.