Manager, Advanced Prototype & Test Engineering

At A-dec, we do more than create the highest quality products and services for the dental industry; we strive to deliver a superior employment experience for each of our team members. With an environment that encourages and assists each person in developing to their highest potential, a career at A-dec is incredibly rewarding. Overview The Manager, Advanced Prototyping leads A-dec’s prototyping, model shop, additive manufacturing, and mechanical test functions with a focus on accelerating innovation and enabling rapid concept development. This role drives the expansion of advanced fabrication capabilities, fosters a culture of experimentation and creativity, and ensures that teams and technologies support early-stage product exploration through low-volume production readiness. The manager partners closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing to deliver functional prototypes and test data that inform and inspire product development decisions. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead Prototyping Strategy and Capability Growth – Develop and execute a vision for A-dec’s advanced prototyping ecosystem, expanding capabilities in rapid fabrication, additive manufacturing, and iterative model development. Build infrastructure, tools, and processes that shorten design cycles and enhance innovation throughput. Oversee Model Shop and Additive Manufacturing Operations – Direct the day-to-day operations of the model shop and additive manufacturing areas, ensuring quality, efficiency, and responsiveness to development team needs. Implement new technologies and methods that increase flexibility and prototype fidelity. Integrate Mechanical Testing as a Prototyping Enabler – Oversee mechanical test activities that validate prototype performance, providing actionable data to accelerate design iteration. Promote the use of testing as a learning and validation tool in the prototyping process. Foster Collaboration Across Functions – Partner with engineering, manufacturing, design, and supply chain teams to translate creative ideas into manufacturable prototypes. Ensure prototype operations align with business priorities and product timelines. Develop Talent and Culture – Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of model makers, additive manufacturing specialists, and test engineers. Build a culture of creativity, technical excellence, and continuous learning focused on rapid experimentation and results. Manage Resources and Budgets – Oversee budgets, capital expenditures, and project schedules related to prototyping and testing. Identify investments that expand capability and improve efficiency. Advance Continuous Improvement and Technology Adoption – Stay current with emerging technologies and fabrication techniques. Evaluate and implement new tools, materials, and methods that strengthen A-dec’s prototyping capability and shorten product development timelines. Administrative Functions - Oversees and supports departmental budgets, expenses, and capital expenditure (AFE) submittals, reviews, and approvals, while participating in technology assessments and resource planning. Manages project assignments, schedules, and deliverable deadlines, working closely with product development teams to ensure successful execution across all engineering functions. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Able to communicate effectively in oral, written, and graphical form. Able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as in a multidisciplinary team environment. Able to supervise engineering and technical teams. Knowledge of mechanical and fluids test engineering methodologies and data analysis. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and work experience, with a minimum of 5 years relevant product development experience. Generally possess over 10 years of relevant professional or technical engineering experience, of increasing responsibility and difficulty of assignments. Preferred Qualifications Medical device industry / dental or medical device field experience Additive manufacturing (AM) experience Working CAD Knowledge CNC rapid prototyping (CNC-RP) equipment experience PLM system experience Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 35 pounds with or without assistance on a routine basis. Must have manual hand dexterity to grasp, operate tools and equipment repetitively. Able to walk, stand, sit, bend, reach, and occasionally kneel, climb steps, and twist throughout an entire shift. Some areas may be exposed to chemicals, noise, vibration and /or dust, and require the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); such as, but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, foot protection, etc. Disclaimer This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not to be construed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A-dec reserves the right to assign job duties and days and hours of work based on factors such as workload requirements, staffing levels, and customer demands. At A-dec, we value our people and show it by prioritizing an inclusive culture, total well-being, and opportunities for learning and career advancement. A background check and screen for the illegal use of drugs is required. A-dec is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, A-dec will not discriminate against applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor” A-dec is interested in qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States for US-based positions. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas. What's your next thing? You are a dreamer. A doer. The one who never stops seeking a better way. You are the kind of person we are looking for to join our team. If you know A-dec, you know that we are a global, family-run company with a big name in the dental industry. But we didn’t get here by settling for the status quo. We are perpetually pursuing ways to improve our products and consequently, the lives and well-being of our doctors and patients. A-dec encourages collaboration, believing that curiosity leads to innovation, and diversity and cross-function create the unexpected. We work hard. We play hard. And we never forget that the time you balance outside of work shapes and defines you as a person. Let's make a difference together.