Senior R&D Inkjet Engineer

Summary

Join Dandy, a leading dental technology company, as our Inkjet Thought Leader for Dental Applications. Spearhead the development and optimization of inkjet-based systems for dental appliances, tackling challenges in ink formulation, print process integration, and surface-material interaction. Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and external partners to deliver best-in-class solutions. Lead R&D projects, drive ink formulation, evaluate inkjet technologies, and resolve print quality issues. Establish robust process controls, collaborate with suppliers, define maintenance protocols, and provide thought leadership on integrating inkjet processes into the digital dental workflow. Train and mentor technical teams, publish findings, and set ambitious targets. This highly visible role requires an advanced degree and extensive experience in inkjet printing, materials science, and ceramics processing.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD preferred) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or related field
• Deep knowledge of inkjet printing principles (drop formation, printhead design, process parameters)
• Hands-on experience with ink formulation and characterization (rheology, surface tension, particle-size control)
• Background in ceramics processing, sintering behavior, and material interactions
• Proven track record of solving complex printing issues such as nozzle clogging, pooling, and banding
• Experience in scaling production processes and maintaining consistency across multiple lines/machines
• Strong experimental design and root-cause-analysis skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Ability to present to Executive teams in a fast paced environment
• Constant partnership with multiple functional teams across Dandy and its equipment suppliers
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally 30% of the time

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects to design, develop, and optimize inkjet finishing processes for dental appliances
• Drive the formulation and selection of ceramic-compatible, sinterable inks with controlled rheology and particle-size distribution
• Evaluate and select suitable inkjet technologies, printhead types, and machine platforms for dental use-cases
• Address critical challenges such as ink pooling on curved substrates, printhead clogging, and banding artifacts
• Conduct root-cause analyses and design experiments to resolve print quality issues
• Develop and validate surface-preparation and pretreatment strategies (e.g., plasma, primers) to improve wetting and adhesion
• Establish robust process controls and calibration methods to ensure consistency across multiple production lines and machines
• Collaborate with suppliers to co-develop or specify custom inks meeting stringent dental requirements
• Define maintenance protocols and ink-handling best practices to minimize downtime and variability
• Provide thought leadership on integrating inkjet processes into the broader digital dental workflow
• Train and mentor technical teams in inkjet technology, materials behavior, and production scaling
• Publish and present internally and externally to establish the company as an innovation leader in this space
• Set bold targets and drive plans to achieve

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with dental materials and workflows (e.g., zirconia crowns)
• Knowledge of plasma or corona pretreatments for surface modification
• Supplier collaboration experience for custom ink development
• Familiarity with GMP, ISO 13485, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Prior technical leadership or mentoring experience

Benefits

• Healthcare
• Dental
• Mental health support
• Parental planning resources
• Retirement savings options
• Generous paid time off