Director, Operations - Manufacturing Automation

Dandy is transforming the massive ($200B) but antiquated dental industry. Backed by some of the world's leading venture capital investors, we are on an ambitious mission to integrate and simplify every function of the dental practice through technology. By building the operating system for every dental office in America, Dandy is empowering dentists with technology, innovation, and world-class support to achieve more for their practice, their people, and their patients.

Role Overview
Dandy is transforming the dental industry through cutting-edge technology and digital manufacturing solutions. With ambitious plans to reach $2B in revenue and service multiple international markets by 2027, we're rapidly scaling our manufacturing capabilities—and automation is central to this growth strategy.

We are looking for a Director of Automation to lead Dandy's manufacturing automation implementation strategy and execution across our expanding manufacturing network. This role will own the deployment and optimization of cutting-edge automation technologies and will lead a high-performing Automation Engineering team. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, operations, and R&D, with the ability to deliver scalable automation solutions that drive efficiency and quality as we grow manufacturing volume and expand internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Deployment

• Drive Dandy's automation implementation roadmap in alignment with our business goals and global expansion plans.

• Partner with AME on the design, validation, and commissioning of new automation equipment and systems across multiple sites.

• Oversee factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), validation protocols, and risk assessments.

• Accelerate the integration of new technologies into production with minimal disruption to operations.

Leadership

• Manage and grow a cross-functional team of engineers, technical staff and machine operators

• Serve as the technical authority for automation systems, controls, and integration architecture.

• Establish best practices for system reliability, lifecycle management, and safety compliance that can scale across international facilities.

Continuous Improvement & Maintenance

• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to ensure optimal performance of automation systems.

• Implement predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to improve system uptime and production yield.

• Use data analytics and root cause analysis to drive continuous improvement of equipment performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, R&D, and Product Development to align on design-for-automation principles.

• Support the development of scalable processes that enable product and production innovation.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship across cross-functional teams.

• Monitor and manage automated and semi-automated production activities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, controls, or industrial systems, including at least 5 years of management experience.

• Strong background in the validation and commissioning of automation equipment in regulated environments.

• Experience leading teams and managing cross-functional automation initiatives at scale.

• Proven success in driving system reliability, efficiency, and integration in a high-growth manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with SCADA, PLC programming, and industrial control systems.

• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

• Experience in dental, medical devices, or high-precision manufacturing is a plus.\

Location: Lehi, Utah
Travel: 10%

For full time positions, we offer a wide range of best in class, comprehensive and inclusive employee benefits including healthcare, dental, parental planning, mental health benefits, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off.

Dandy is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture that celebrates authenticity to win as one. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Dandy also fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are dedicated to embracing challenges and creating an accessible, inclusive workplace for all individuals. If you require any accommodations for your interview or have any questions beforehand, rest assured that we will do everything we can to meet your needs. Visit Dandy Careers for more!