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LightForce is transforming orthodontics through digital innovation and 3D-printed, patient-specific brackets paired with AI-driven treatment planning. The Director of Manufacturing Engineering will lead the design and execution of LightForce's manufacturing system, owning process engineering, equipment strategy, automation, NPI/industrialization, and scaling initiatives.
Key responsibilities include developing and executing the manufacturing technology and process roadmap to support volume, quality, reliability, productivity, and margin objectives. You will identify and remove technical constraints to capacity by emphasizing process capability, equipment innovation, and automation rather than labor dependence. Apply Lean, DOE, and statistical methods to improve process capability, yield, cycle time, throughput, and cost. Establish robust manufacturing processes, specifications, and control plans in partnership with Production and Quality teams.
You will drive automation, tooling, and equipment strategy—including robotics, vision systems, and fixturing—to reduce labor dependence and improve throughput and scalability. Make strategic make/buy/partner decisions on automation and equipment investments, balancing near-term production needs with long-term technical capability. Own the manufacturing side of new product introduction and design transfer, ensuring new products and process changes are manufacturable, validated, and ready for reliable commercial scale.
Build and develop a strong Manufacturing Engineering organization spanning process engineering, NPI/industrialization, and equipment engineering. Manage departmental staffing, project assignments, and external resources to meet aggressive deadlines. Partner with Facilities to ensure manufacturing processes, equipment, and products comply with safety (OSHA), environmental, and ISO/industry quality standards. Collaborate with senior leaders on manufacturing plans, schedules, and objectives aligned with product designs, equipment capabilities, quality standards, and cost targets.
