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San Francisco, California, United States
Onsite
Dandy is transforming the massive and antiquated dental industry—an industry worth over $400B. Backed by some of the world’s leading venture capital firms, we’re on an ambitious mission to simplify and modernize every function of the dental practice through technology. As we expand our reach globally, Dandy is building the operating system for dental offices around the world—empowering clinicians and their teams with technology, innovation, and world-class support to achieve more for their practices, their people, and their patients.
Dandy is seeking a Director, Mechatronics Engineering to join our elite Precision Robotics R&D team. This role is the technical cornerstone for developing the mechatronic architecture of our next-generation Special Purpose Machines (SPM) for manufacturing custom-made prosthetics.
As a senior leader with 10+ years of experience, you will bridge the gap between high-level robotic theory and physical execution. You will be responsible for defining the "nervous system" of our machines—integrating actuators, sensors, and motion control into a cohesive, high-performance architecture. This is a hybrid role in either the South Bay Area, CA or Boston, MA area where you will drive innovation from initial concept and rapid prototyping through to production-ready systems.
System Architecture & Design: Architect and integrate complex robotic hardware systems, including precision actuators, sensors, and electromechanical subsystems, ensuring they meet the micron-level reliability required for custom prosthetic manufacturing applications.
Special Purpose Machine Design Expertise: Apply deep technical knowledge of both additive (3D printing) and subtractive (milling, grinding, polishing) processes to design versatile, high-precision manufacturing platforms.
High-Fidelity Prototyping: Lead the rapid prototyping of components and conduct rigorous structural/thermal analyses. Validate designs through intensive performance testing and failure-mode analysis (FMEA).
Control & Communication: Implement and refine motor control logic, sensor fusion, and real-time feedback loops. Define the communication protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, CANopen) to enable robust, real-time robotic operation.
Vendor Co-Development: Co-develop machine designs with 3rd party vendors, managing the technical roadmap from initial specification through to machine buy-off, ensuring external partners meet Dandy’s rigorous performance standards.
Cross-Functional Integration: Act as the primary technical interface between mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams to ensure seamless system integration and optimization of system dynamics.
Full Lifecycle Ownership: Own product development from "blank sheet" concept through to the factory floor. This includes detailed documentation (CAD, schematics, BOMs) and leading pilot builds through to production-line execution.
Experience: 10+ years of machine-building experience, specifically in hardware, mechatronics, or robotics engineering with a focus on system-level architecture for production systems.
Education: B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering.
Founding Mindset: Proven ability to work as an individual contributor in an early-stage environment while possessing the leadership skills to scale a team.
Technical Mastery: * Expert-level proficiency with Solidworks or similar platforms and a deep understanding of varied fabrication and manufacturing processes.
Profound knowledge of robotic kinematics/dynamics, motor controllers, and simulation tools
Hands-on experience with sensor integration, embedded systems, and industrial design execution.
Process Knowledge: Knowledge of industrial design principles, mockup development, vendor interaction, and regulatory/safety compliance standards for automated machinery.
Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers and manage multiple projects in a high-velocity high growth environment.
Ability to self-direct, self-managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.
Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development (~20% travel)
Experience working as a System or Mechanical Architect for an Automation System Integrator or OEM, with a track record of delivering turnkey automated solutions.
Advanced Motion Control: Knowledge of waveform tuning, custom PLC programming (Beckhoff/TwinCAT), or experience with high-performance motion controllers (ACS, Elmo, Others).
Experience with laser interferometry, high-resolution optical encoders, and sub-micron calibration techniques for milling and printing paths.
Expertise in integrating Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and 3D vision systems into robotic workflows for real-time quality feedback.
Advanced capability in FEA/CFD for thermal and vibration analysis of high-speed robotic linkages and spindles.
Experience with the design or qualification of custom brushless motors, linear actuators, or robotic end-effectors.
Robotic Safety: Knowledge of ISO 10218 or ISO 13482 standards for robotic system safety and collaborative operation.
Req ID: J-990
For full-time positions, Dandy offers a wide range of best-in-class, comprehensive, and inclusive benefits tailored to each country where we operate. Our local benefits packages typically include healthcare, dental, mental health support, parental planning resources, retirement savings options, and generous paid time off—ensuring our team members are supported no matter where they live and work.
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!
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