Aspen Dental · 10 hours ago
Manager, Research, Development and Innovation
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$90K/yr - $105K/yr
2+ years expAspen Dental is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), a leading retail healthcare business support organization in the U.S. They are seeking a Manager for R&D and Innovation to lead materials and manufacturing innovation in support of digital prosthetics and advanced manufacturing strategies. The role involves evaluating new materials and technologies, collaborating with various partners, and managing multiple R&D projects to optimize processes and material utilization.
DentalHealth CareHospital
Hiring Manager
Kelly (Dillon) Campagna
Responsibilities
Lead R&D initiatives centered on material performance, process development, and manufacturing innovation
Evaluate new materials, equipment, and manufacturing technologies with an eye toward scalability, reliability, and real-world performance
Work closely with Manufacturing, Design, Procurement, and Clinical partners to move concepts from early evaluation into implementation
Design and execute material testing, validation activities, and process trials using sound scientific and engineering methods
Collaborate directly with external vendors, suppliers, and technology partners to assess materials, hardware, and platforms
Provide technical insight into material behavior, failure modes, and process limitations to support informed design and manufacturing decisions
Develop clear technical documentation, test protocols, and reports, including summaries tailored for leadership and business stakeholders
Support continuous improvement efforts related to material utilization, manufacturability, and cost optimization
Manage multiple R&D projects at once, balancing priorities based on business impact and readiness
Stay current on advances in materials science, additive manufacturing, and regulated manufacturing technologies
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred)
2+ years of experience in R&D, materials engineering, or process development within a regulated or high-reliability manufacturing environment
Strong working knowledge of materials science, including polymers, resins, composites, or advanced manufacturing materials
Experience leading cross-functional technical projects from evaluation through implementation
Solid analytical skills with the ability to design experiments, interpret results, and solve complex problems
Ability to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for business and operations teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
Experience in dental products, additive manufacturing, or similar regulated industries
Familiarity with validation, testing, and documentation practices aligned with FDA, ISO, or comparable regulatory standards
Experience working with external vendors or technology partners
Prior project or people leadership experience
Benefits
Paid time off
Health
Dental
Vision
401(k) savings plan with match
Company
Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental is a provider of general dentistry services.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Aspen Dental has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (3)
2023 (20)
2022 (16)
2021 (14)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Kimberly Cameron Jones
Vice President of Hygiene Operations
Recent News
2025-12-08
Company data provided by crunchbase