R&D Engineer Prototyping & Testing (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: R&D Engineer Prototyping & Testing (m/f/d)

Company: Dentsply Sirona, Inc

Location: Bensheim, Hesse, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: April 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive testing strategies for new dental products, focusing on reliability and performance under real-world conditions.

• Design, build, and commission advanced endurance test rigs and fixtures, utilizing expertise in mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, and hydraulics to simulate product lifecycle demands.

• Collaborate within interdisciplinary R&D teams to translate innovative concepts into tangible prototypes, ensuring they meet stringent internal and external standards.

• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing design issues, conducting root cause analyses (e.g., FMEA), and supporting the optimization of existing and new product designs.

• Contribute to the innovation pipeline by actively monitoring emerging technologies, materials, and processes within the dental product development landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hands-on R&D Engineering position with a strong emphasis on the testing and validation phase of product development. The "Operations" aspect primarily relates to the operational execution of testing protocols, management of test environments, and process-driven problem-solving, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. The required programming skills (LabVIEW, PLC, C++, ANSI C) indicate a need for automation and data acquisition in testing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Test Rig and Fixture Development: Design, construct, and commission specialized endurance test rigs and test fixtures to accurately simulate product usage and environmental stresses.

• Test Program Management: Plan, execute, and meticulously evaluate comprehensive test programs, ensuring thorough validation of product design, reliability, and performance.

• Measurement and Data Acquisition: Perform precise measurement tasks across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.

• Prototype Construction and Validation: Build and assemble functional prototypes, meticulously validating design integrity, material specifications, and overall system reliability.

• Commissioning and Initial Testing: Oversee the commissioning of electrically driven machinery and initial prototype systems, ensuring safe and effective operation.

• Standards Compliance: Conduct rigorous testing to verify adherence to internal quality standards and relevant external regulations, including the Machinery Directive.

• Laboratory Operations: Manage and maintain assigned endurance test laboratories, ensuring equipment is calibrated, operational, and safe for use.

• Technology Scouting: Actively research and monitor emerging technologies, advanced materials, and innovative manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for product enhancement and innovation.

• Design Analysis and Troubleshooting: Analyze design challenges within complex devices during the development phase and provide support for troubleshooting post-market launch issues.

• Risk Assessment: Participate actively in risk analyses, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), to proactively identify and mitigate potential product failures.

• Quality System Support: Ensure all design and testing documentation adheres to the company's quality management system requirements and actively support internal and external audits.

• Intellectual Property Support: Assist in the preparation and documentation required for patent applications, safeguarding innovative product features and technologies.

• International Travel: Undertake international business travel as required, not exceeding 5% of total working time, to support global projects and collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on engineering, project management of testing phases, and contribution to innovation through technology scouting. The emphasis on "commissioning electrically driven machines" and "programming skills" suggests a need for practical application of electrical and control systems knowledge within the testing framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Mechatronics.

Experience:

• Several years of progressive professional experience in endurance testing, product development, or commissioning of complex machinery.

Required Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, and hydraulics within a product development context.

• Programming Expertise: Demonstrated programming skills in LabVIEW for test automation and data acquisition, PLC (SPS) for industrial control, and C++/ANSI C for microcontroller applications.

• Testing Methodologies: Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including endurance testing and component-level validation.

• Prototyping Skills: Hands-on experience in building and assembling prototypes and test fixtures.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with the current Machinery Directive and its implications for product testing and compliance.

• Analytical Skills: Capability to perform measurement tasks, analyze test data, and conduct root cause analyses (e.g., FMEA).

• Quality Management: Understanding of and adherence to quality management system requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Medical Device Experience: Direct experience with product development cycles and testing protocols specific to the medical technology sector.

• Language Skills: English proficiency is a plus, complementing the required strong command of German.

• Project Management: Experience managing testing phases within larger product development projects.

• CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with relevant CAD software for fixture design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required programming skills are a critical differentiator for this role, indicating a need for engineers who can not only design tests but also automate and control them. The mention of "commissioning electrically driven machines" further emphasizes the practical, hands-on nature of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Test Protocol Design: Examples of well-structured test plans, detailing objectives, methodologies, equipment utilized, and expected outcomes for mechanical and electrical systems.

• Fixture Design Documentation: Schematics, CAD models, or detailed descriptions of custom-designed test fixtures, showcasing problem-solving and engineering ingenuity.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Case studies demonstrating the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex test data (e.g., from endurance tests, performance benchmarks), including graphical representations and key findings.

• Troubleshooting Case Studies: Documented examples of identifying and resolving design or performance issues in complex machinery or prototypes, highlighting analytical processes like FMEA.

• Automation Implementation: Evidence of using programming skills (LabVIEW, PLC, C++) to automate testing procedures, enhance data acquisition accuracy, or control test rig parameters.

Process Documentation:

• Test Procedure Development: Showcase the ability to create clear, concise, and repeatable test procedures that ensure consistency and comparability of results.

• Documentation Standards: Demonstrate understanding of documenting test results, equipment calibration, and laboratory operations in compliance with quality management systems.

• Innovation Integration: Examples of how new technologies or materials were evaluated through testing and incorporated into product development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize practical engineering work, particularly in the domain of testing and validation. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to design, build, and program testing solutions, as well as analyze the resulting data and troubleshoot issues. The emphasis is on the operationalization of testing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, standard in Germany.

• Retirement Plan: Company-sponsored pension scheme or contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and further education, particularly in specialized engineering fields and programming languages.

• Innovation Environment: Access to state-of-the-art testing equipment and a culture that encourages technological advancement.

• Employee Discounts: Potential discounts on Dentsply Sirona products or partner services.

• Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Programs and policies designed to support employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available for managing testing schedules and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data from German engineering job boards, industry salary surveys for mechanical and mechatronics engineers, and regional cost-of-living data for Hesse. The specific range can vary based on the candidate's precise experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Devices & Healthcare Technology. Dentsply Sirona is a global leader in professional dental products and technologies, operating at the intersection of healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and precision engineering.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This size indicates a well-established structure, significant resources, and opportunities for international collaboration and career progression.

Founded: 1890s (company history spans over 130 years). The long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a legacy of innovation in the dental field.

Team Structure:

• R&D Department: The role sits within the Research & Development division, likely composed of specialized engineering teams focusing on different product lines or technology areas.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Expect to work closely with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, software developers, product managers, and quality assurance specialists.

• Project-Based Teams: Development projects are typically managed by cross-functional teams, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Development: Emphasis on rigorous testing, data analysis, and iterative design processes to ensure product quality and reliability.

• Quality Management: Strict adherence to ISO 13485 and other relevant medical device manufacturing standards.

• Innovation Focus: Continuous exploration of new technologies, materials, and processes to maintain a competitive edge in the dental market.

• Lean Principles: Potential application of lean manufacturing or agile development principles to optimize workflows and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.dentsplysirona.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and leadership position in the dental industry suggest a culture that values innovation, quality, and scientific rigor. The global presence implies a diverse and potentially international work environment, even for on-site roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level R&D Engineer. This role is for an individual contributor who has moved beyond entry-level responsibilities and is expected to take ownership of significant testing and prototyping tasks. The scope includes managing specific test environments and contributing to design validation.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to an R&D Manager or Team Lead responsible for product development and testing within a specific business unit or product category. Collaboration with senior engineers and project leads is expected.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts product quality, reliability, and market readiness. Successful testing and validation are critical for preventing costly recalls, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining Dentsply Sirona's reputation for high-quality dental solutions. The role contributes to the operational efficiency of the R&D process by ensuring products are robust before mass production.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior R&D Engineer: Progression to a more senior role with increased responsibility for complex projects, team mentorship, and technical leadership.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced materials testing, mechatronic system design, or automation for testing.

• Project Management: Transition into roles focused on managing R&D projects, overseeing timelines, budgets, and cross-functional team coordination.

• Technical Leadership: Become a subject matter expert (SME) in testing methodologies, specific technologies, or regulatory compliance within the R&D organization.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into roles within product management, quality engineering, or manufacturing engineering, leveraging a strong understanding of the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" aspect of this role is intrinsic to the engineering development lifecycle – ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of products through rigorous testing. Growth opportunities are geared towards technical expertise and project leadership within R&D.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern R&D facility with dedicated laboratory spaces. The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence in the engineering labs.

Office Location(s): Bensheim, Hesse, Germany. This location is a key R&D hub for Dentsply Sirona, suggesting a concentrated presence of engineering talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Laboratory Environment: Access to specialized equipment for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic testing, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, environmental chambers, and potentially 3D printers for rapid prototyping.

• Collaborative Spaces: Modern office areas designed for teamwork, design reviews, and interdisciplinary discussions, equipped with whiteboards and collaboration tools.

• Engineering Tools: Workstations equipped with relevant software for CAD, simulation, programming (LabVIEW, PLC environments), and data analysis.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule, likely Monday to Friday, with core hours that allow for collaboration. Flexibility may be offered to accommodate specific testing schedules or project needs, but the hands-on nature of the role necessitates regular on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical, emphasizing the hands-on nature of prototype building and testing. The laboratory environment is central to the success of this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and senior engineers focusing on technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and programming skills (LabVIEW, PLC, C++). Expect scenario-based questions related to test design, troubleshooting, and FMEA.

• Practical Assessment/Case Study: A potential hands-on exercise or a case study presentation where candidates demonstrate their approach to designing a test, analyzing a failure, or optimizing a process. This is where portfolio elements would be highly relevant.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues to assess collaboration style and alignment with Dentsply Sirona's values.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior R&D leader or department head.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Practical Application: Prioritize examples that demonstrate your hands-on involvement in building prototypes, designing test rigs, and implementing automated testing solutions.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present data that highlights the impact of your work – e.g., "reduced testing time by X%," "identified Y critical failure modes," "improved prototype reliability by Z%."

• Highlight Programming Skills: Include code snippets (if appropriate and non-confidential) or detailed descriptions of LabVIEW, PLC, or microcontroller applications used in testing.

• Document Troubleshooting Process: Clearly outline your methodology for root cause analysis, using FMEA as an example, and present the problem, your approach, and the resolution.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or skill area, with clear titles, concise descriptions, and relevant visuals (diagrams, photos).

Challenge Preparation:

• Test Design Scenarios: Be prepared to outline how you would design a test for a specific component or system, considering variables, failure modes, and data collection.

• Troubleshooting Simulation: Practice diagnosing a hypothetical failure in a mechatronic system, explaining your step-by-step logical process.

• Programming Logic: Be ready to discuss your approach to programming specific testing functions or control sequences.

• Regulatory Awareness: Refresh your knowledge of the Machinery Directive and its implications for testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical engineering skills and the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible results. The portfolio is crucial for substantiating claims and demonstrating hands-on competence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Environments: LabVIEW (essential for test automation and data acquisition), PLC programming software (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell RSLogix), C/C++ IDEs (for microcontroller development).

• CAD Software: Tools for designing test fixtures and prototype components (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD).

• Simulation Software: Potentially used for mechanical or electrical system analysis (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions), potentially specialized statistical software or scripting languages (e.g., Python with NumPy/Pandas) for analyzing test data.

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites for creating comprehensive test reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this R&D engineering role, but understanding of how product development feeds into CRM/ERP systems might be beneficial.

• Version Control: Git or similar for managing code bases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in LabVIEW, PLC programming, and C/C++ for microcontrollers are critical technical requirements. Familiarity with CAD and data analysis tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering high-quality, reliable products.

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding the highest standards in product design, testing, and documentation, crucial for patient safety and regulatory compliance.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse engineering disciplines work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that all R&D efforts ultimately aim to improve patient care and advance dentistry.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: Seeking ways to optimize development processes, testing methodologies, and product performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Engineers are expected to collaborate closely with colleagues from different departments, requiring clear communication and a shared understanding of project objectives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging the open exchange of ideas, feedback, and technical challenges in design reviews and team meetings.

• Problem-Solving Approach: A collective effort to analyze issues, brainstorm solutions, and implement improvements, often involving iterative testing and refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports sharing best practices, lessons learned from testing, and insights into new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of scientific rigor, engineering excellence, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the context of a highly regulated industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Systems: Dealing with highly integrated mechatronic systems where mechanical, electrical, and software components interact complexly.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of fast-paced advancements in dental technology, materials, and testing methodologies.

• Stringent Regulatory Environment: Navigating the rigorous demands of medical device regulations and quality assurance standards.

• Balancing Innovation and Reliability: The ongoing challenge of introducing novel features while ensuring robust performance and safety.

• Resource Management: Effectively managing test equipment, prototype materials, and time to meet project deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like mechatronics, control systems, advanced materials, or specific programming languages.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in conferences and workshops focused on R&D, testing, medical device technology, and engineering innovation.

• Internal Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and subject matter experts within Dentsply Sirona.

• Certification Programs: Pursuing certifications relevant to testing, quality management, or specific engineering disciplines.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Gaining experience on international development initiatives and collaborating with diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth in a dynamic, regulated industry, with challenges that foster continuous learning and problem-solving skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechatronic system you have worked on. What were the primary challenges in testing its reliability?" (Focus on structured approach, testing methodologies, and problem identification.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing an endurance test for a new component. What parameters would you focus on, and how would you ensure the test is representative of real-world usage?" (Highlight test planning, fixture design, and parameter selection.)

• "You've identified a recurring failure mode in a prototype. How would you conduct a root cause analysis, and what tools or techniques (e.g., FMEA) would you employ?" (Demonstrate analytical skills and systematic problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dentsply Sirona and our role in the dental industry?" (Research company mission, products, and recent innovations.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with engineers from different disciplines (e.g., electrical, software)?" (Emphasize communication, respect for expertise, and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Show, Don't Just Tell": Use visuals (diagrams, photos, short videos if possible) to illustrate your prototypes, test setups, and data.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the results (quantified if possible), and what you learned.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical specifics of your designs, programming choices, and testing methodologies.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you tackled challenges, overcame obstacles, and improved product performance or testing efficiency.

• Tailor to the Role: Select portfolio examples that most closely align with the responsibilities and requirements of the R&D Engineer Prototyping & Testing role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong analytical mindset, practical engineering skills, and a proven ability to execute rigorous testing protocols. The portfolio is a critical tool for substantiating these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this R&D Engineering position:

• Submit Application: Utilize the provided link on the Dentsply Sirona careers portal to submit your resume and cover letter.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your practical experience in prototype construction, test rig design, programming for automation (LabVIEW, PLC, C/C++), and data analysis from testing. Include specific examples of endurance testing and troubleshooting.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering, years of relevant experience, proficiency in required programming languages, and any experience in the medical technology sector. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and project experiences. Prepare to discuss case studies from your portfolio and how you would approach hypothetical testing scenarios.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dentsply Sirona's product portfolio, commitment to innovation, and quality standards. Understand their position in the global dental market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.