Principal R&D Engineer

Job Description

We’re seeking a visionary Principal R&D Engineer to lead the design and development of cutting‑edge dental devices—from electromechanical systems and endodontic tools to curing lights and restorative delivery systems. In this role, you’ll drive projects from concept through commercialization, champion engineering excellence, and collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver high‑performance, regulatory‑compliant solutions that elevate clinical outcomes. If you’re passionate about innovation, continuous improvement, and mentoring the next generation of engineers, we’d love to meet you.

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of dental devices including electromechanical and optical systems, endodontic motors and files, burs, polishers, hand‑held extrusion devices for restorative materials, and dental curing lights.
• Drive projects from concept through commercialization, including feasibility studies, prototyping, design verification/validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
• Develop innovative solutions to improve product performance, reliability, and clinical outcomes while maintaining compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and other regulatory standards.

• Own the design process, including CAD modeling, design reviews, and execution of design control documentation from concept to launch readiness.
• Conduct testing and verification of new designs and design changes to ensure they meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain detailed documentation of design iterations, test results, and product specifications.

• Work closely with product management, project management, manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and customer support to ensure seamless product development and launch.
• Serve as a technical liaison with external partners, suppliers, and clinicians to align on product requirements and performance expectations.

• Provide technical support for the current product line, addressing field issues and implementing design improvements.
• Maintain a strong understanding of current manufacturing processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure all product developments and changes comply with relevant industry standards and internal quality systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen events, 5S, root cause analysis, value stream mapping, and process optimization.
• Support internal and external audits and contribute to regulatory submissions as needed.

• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple projects.
• Lead technical reviews and ensure adherence to best practices in design and development.

• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including safety and quality standards.
• Domestic and international travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This individual must be able to function in a fast‑paced environment, where priorities may change rapidly. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with minimum of 6 years relevant work experience OR Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with minimum of 4 years relevant work experience is required.
• Proven track record in plastic injection molding, metal machining, metal heat treatment or similar processes is required.
• Expertise with Solid Works highly preferred.
• Extensive experience in electro‑mechanical design and development highly preferred.
• Experience managing projects via project management system (i.e. Microsoft Project, Workfront or similar) required.
• Knowledge of CNC programming/machinery highly preferred.

• Ability to manage complex projects required.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office including…