CAD/CAM Manager

W3Global; Westland (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking an experienced CAD/CAM Manager for a Westland, MI dental laboratory. You will lead digital production, CAD/CAM design, milling, 3D printing, and sintering operations, driving quality and efficiency.

The role requires hands-on leadership with strong 3Shape Dental System expertise, production oversight, and a focus on continuous process improvement. On-site, Monday–Friday, with direct supervision of 2–4 technicians.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of dental laboratory experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on digital CAD/CAM production experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in 3Shape Dental System.
• Experience designing complex restorations, implant abutments, and multi-unit cases.
• Hands-on experience with dental milling, zirconia sintering, desktop scanning, and 3D printing.
• Strong knowledge of dental anatomy, occlusion, and restorative materials.
• Experience managing production workflows, quality control, and technician performance.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Digital Case Intake & Scanning: manage cases through intraoral scanners and portals.
• CAD Design & Quality Control: lead CAD design with 3Shape; set margins and occlusion standards.
• CAM Milling Operations: oversee milling of zirconia, lithium disilicate, PMMA, wax and more.
• 3D Printing & Sintering: supervise printing of models, dies, splints; manage sintering cycles.
• Team & Production Management: supervise 2-4 technicians; set SOPs and KPIs.
• Vendor Management & Budgeting: evaluate new tech and manage vendor relationships.

Skills

CAD/CAM Leadership

Team leadership

3Shape Dental System

Digital manufacturing workflows

QA & process improvement

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

CDT (preferred)

Dental laboratory technology degree (preferred)

Tools

3Shape Dental System

Exocad

HeyGears 3D printers

Labtrac

Evident

3Shape LMS

3D printing equipment

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced CAD/CAM Manager to lead the digital production operations of an established dental laboratory. This individual will oversee digital case intake, CAD design, CAM milling, 3D printing, and zirconia sintering operations.

CAD/CAM Manager - Dental Laboratory

Location: Westland, MI

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-site

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced CAD/CAM Manager to lead the digital production operations of an established dental laboratory. This individual will oversee digital case intake, CAD design, CAM milling, 3D printing, and zirconia sintering operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with 3Shape Dental System, dental restorations, digital manufacturing workflows, and team management. This is a hands‑on leadership position requiring technical expertise, production oversight, quality control, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Digital Case Intake & Scanning
• Manage incoming digital cases through intraoral scanner platforms and dental portals.
• Oversee desktop scanning of physical impressions and dental models.
• Review scans, margins, bite registrations, and prescriptions for accuracy.
• Coordinate with dental offices to resolve missing information and technical issues.
• Manage case scheduling, priorities, and turnaround times.
• CAD Design & Quality Control
• Lead daily CAD design operations using 3Shape Dental System.
• Design and review crowns, bridges, implant abutments, veneers, inlays, onlays, and other restorations.
• Establish design standards for margins, contacts, occlusion, and material thickness.
• Review complex multi‑unit and implant cases before production.
• Manage internal and outsourced design workflows.
• CAM Milling Operations
• Oversee milling operations for zirconia, lithium disilicate, PMMA, wax, and other dental materials.
• Manage CAM nesting, production scheduling, and material utilization.
• Ensure proper equipment maintenance, calibration, and tooling inventory.
• 3D Printing & Sintering
• Supervise dental 3D printing operations for models, dies, splints, surgical guides, and try‑ins.
• Oversee printer settings, resin handling, washing, and post‑curing processes.
• Manage zirconia sintering cycles, furnace calibration, and production schedules.
• Maintain equipment uptime and quality standards.
• Team & Production Management
• Supervise and develop a team of 2‑4 technicians and designers.
• Establish SOPs, KPIs, production targets, and quality standards.
• Monitor turnaround times, remake rates, production efficiency, and equipment performance.
• Identify workflow issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with other laboratory departments to ensure timely production.
• Technology & Vendor Management
• Evaluate new CAD/CAM technologies, software, and automation solutions.
• Manage relationships with equipment and software vendors.
• Support software integrations and troubleshooting
• Assist with equipment, material, and technology budgeting.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of dental laboratory experience.
• 3+ years of hands‑on digital CAD/CAM production experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in 3Shape Dental System.
• Experience designing complex restorations, implant abutments, and multi‑unit cases.
• Hands‑on experience with dental milling, zirconia sintering, desktop scanning, and 3‑D printing.
• Strong knowledge of dental anatomy, occlusion, and restorative materials.
• Experience managing production workflows, quality control, and technician performance.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Dental Technician (CDT).
• Experience with exocad.
• Experience with HeyGears 3D printers or similar systems.
• Familiarity with Magic Touch, Labtrac, Evident, or 3Shape LMS.
• Experience with full‑arch implant workflows and screw‑retained restorations.
• Lean manufacturing and process improvement experience.

Work Environment

• On‑site position at a dental laboratory in Westland, Michigan.
• Monday through Friday schedule.
• Exposure to milling equipment, dust, and resins; required PPE provided.
• Combination of computer‑based work and hands‑on production supervision.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs.